UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20202023
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from__________ to __________
Commission File Number 001-38534
amerant1q19scriptimage1a09.jpg
Amerant Bancorp Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Florida65-0032379
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
220 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, Florida33134
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (305) 460-8728
_________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol (s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.10 per shareAMTBNASDAQNew York Stock Exchange

Class B Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share

AMTBB

NASDAQ
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes ☐     No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒  No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer  Smaller reporting company  ☐
Emerging growth company 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).    ☐     
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒
The aggregate market value of the Class A common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of a share of the registrant’s Class A common stock on June 30, 20202023 as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market on such date, was approximately $336$503 million. The aggregate market value of the Class B common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of a share of the registrant’s Class B common stock on June 30, 2020 as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market on such date, was approximately $119 million.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of March 5, 2021:February 15, 2024: Common Stock Class A, Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, 28,996,122 shares; Class B Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share, 9,036,352 shares.33,596,687 shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A for the 20212024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year end, are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.


Table of Contents
AMERANT BANCORP INC.
FORM 10-K
December 31, 20202023
TABLE OF CONTENTPage


Table of Contents
PART I

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or Form 10-K, unless otherwise required by the context, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,”, “Amerant”, and the “Company,” refer to Amerant Bancorp Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries including its wholly-owned main operating subsidiary, Amerant Bank, N.A., which we individually refer to as “the Bank”.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Various of the statements made in this Form 10-K, including information incorporated herein by reference to other documents, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of, and subject to, the protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and condition, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause the actual results, performance, achievements, or financial condition of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance, achievements, or financial condition expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. You should not expect us to update any forward-looking statements.statements, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should be read together with the “Risk Factors” included in this Form 10-K and our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “seek,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “consider”, “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “point to,” “project,” “could,” “intend,” “target”, “goals”, “outlooks”, “modeled”, “dedicated”, “create” and other similar words and expressions of the future. These forward-looking statements may not be realized due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation:

Our profitability is subject to interest rate risk;
We may be adversely affected by the transition of LIBOR as a reference rate;
Our concentration of CRE loans;
Many of our loans are to commercial borrowers, which have unique risks compared to other types of loans.
Our allowance for loan losses may prove inadequate;
The collateral securing our loans may not be sufficient to protect us from a partial or complete loss;
Liquidity risks could affect our operations and jeopardize our financial condition and certain funding sources could increase our interest rate expense;
We may not be able to develop and maintain a strong core deposit base or other low-cost funding sources;
We may elect or be compelled to seek additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed or on acceptable terms;
Our ability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries could affect our liquidity and our ability to pay dividends;
Our profitability is subject to interest rate risk;
Our allowance for credit losses may prove inadequate;
Our concentration of CRE loans could result in increased loan losses;
Many of our loans are to commercial borrowers, which have unique risks compared to other types of loans;
Our valuation of securities and investments and the determination of the impairment amounts taken ona credit loss allowance in our investmentsinvestment securities portfolio are subjective and, if changed, could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition;
Nonperforming and similar assets take significant time to resolve and may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows;
We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities;
Deterioration in the real estate markets, including the secondary market for residential mortgage loans, can adversely affect us;
Many of our major systems depend on and are operated by third-party vendors, and any systems failures or interruptions could adversely affect our operations and the services we provide to our customers;
Our information systems are exposed to cybersecurity threats and may experience interruptions and security breaches that could adversely affect our business and reputation;
Our strategic plan and growth strategy may not be achieved as quickly or as fully as we seek;
Nonperforming and similar assets take significant time to resolve;
We may be contractually obligated to repurchase mortgage loans we sold to third parties on terms unfavorable to us;
Mortgage Servicing Rights requirements may change and require us to incur additional costs and risks;
Our success depends on our ability to compete effectively in highly competitive markets;
Defaults by or deteriorating asset quality of other financial institutions could adversely affect us;
We could be requiredNew lines of business, new products and services, or strategic project initiatives may subject us to write down our goodwill and other intangible assets;additional risks;
Our historical consolidated financial data are not necessarily representative of the results we would have achieved as a separate company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results;We face significant operational risks;
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OurWe may not have the ability or resources to raise additional capitalkeep pace with rapid technological changes in the future;.financial services industry or implement new technology effectively;
Conditions in Venezuela could adversely affect our operations;
The COVID-19 pandemicOur ability to achieve our environmental, social and actions taken by governmental authoritiesgovernance goals are subject to mitigate its spread has significantly impacted economic conditions,risks, many of which are outside of our control, and a future outbreakour reputation could be harmed if we fail to meet such goals;
We may be unable to attract and retain key people to support our business;
Severe weather, natural disasters, global pandemics, acts of COVID-19war or another highly contagious disease,terrorism, theft, civil unrest, government expropriation or other external events could have significant effects on our business;
Any failure to protect the confidentiality of customer information could adversely affect our reputation and subject us to financial sanctions and other costs that could adversely affect our business, activities,financial condition, results of operations, and financial condition;or cash flows;
AsWe could be required to write down our goodwill or other intangible assets;
We have a participating lendernet deferred tax asset that may or may not be fully realized;
We may incur losses due to minority investments in the U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program, wefintech and specialty finance companies;
We are subject to additional risks associated with sub-leasing portions of litigation from the Bank’s customers or other parties regarding the Bank’s processing of loans for the PPP and risks that the SBA may not fund some or all PPP loan guaranties;our corporate headquarters building;
Our success depends on our ability to compete effectively in highly competitive markets;
Potential gaps in our risk management policies and internal audit procedures may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risk;
We may determine that our internal controls and disclosure controlsrisk, which could have deficiencies or weaknesses;
Technological changesnegatively affect our business including potentially impacting the revenue stream of traditional products and services, and we may have fewer resources than many competitors to invest in technological improvements;
Our information systems may experience interruptions and security breaches, and are exposed to cybersecurity threats;business;
Any failure to protectmaintain effective internal control over financial reporting could impair the confidentialityreliability of customer informationour financial statements, which in turn could adversely affectharm our reputationbusiness, impair investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and our access to the capital markets and cause the price of our common stock to decline and subject us to financial sanctions;regulatory penalties;
Future acquisitions and expansion activities may disruptChanges in accounting standards could materially impact our business, dilute shareholder value and adversely affect our operating results;financial statements;
WeMaterial and negative developments adversely impacting the financial services industry at large and causing volatility in financial markets and the economy may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt;
We and Amerant Florida Bancorp Inc., the subsidiary guarantor, are each a holding company with limited operations and dependhave materially adverse effects on our subsidiaries for the funds required to make paymentsliquidity, business, financial condition and results of principal and interest on our debt;
We may incur a substantial level of debt that could materially adversely affect our ability to generate sufficient cash to fulfill our obligations under the Senior Notes;operations;
Our business may be adversely affected by economic conditions in general and by conditions in the financial markets;
We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities and adversely affect our earnings;
Changes in federal, state or local tax laws, or audits from tax authorities, could negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows;
Litigation and regulatory investigations are increasingly common in our businesses and may result in significant financial losses and/or harm to our reputation;
We are subject to capital adequacy and liquidity standards, and if we fail to meet these standards, whether due to losses, growth opportunities or an inability to raise additional capital or otherwise, our business, financial condition, andresults of operations, or cash flows would be adversely affected;
We will be subjectIncreases in FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments could adversely affect our financial condition;
Federal banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of our business, including our compliance with laws and regulations, and our failure to heightenedcomply with any regulatory requirementsactions, if our total assets grow in excess of $10 billion;any, could adversely impact us;
The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank;
We may face higher risks of noncompliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations than other financial institutions;
Failures to comply with the fair lending laws, CFPB regulations or the Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, could adversely affect us;
A limited market exists for the Company'sOur principal shareholders and management own a significant percentage of our shares of Class B common stock;
Holders of shares of Class Bvoting common stock have limited voting rights. As a result, holders of shares of Class B common stockand will have limited abilitybe able to influence shareholder decisions;
Certain of our existing shareholders could exert significant control over the Company;matters subject to shareholder approval;
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the priceThe rights of our common stock and trading volume could decline;
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Tableshareholders are subordinate to the holders of Contentsany debt securities that we have issued or may issue from time to time;
The stock price of financial institutions, like Amerant, may fluctuate significantly;
We have the ability tocan issue additional equity securities, which would lead to dilution of our issued and outstanding Company Shares;
Our dual classes of Company Shares may limit investments by investors using index-based strategies;
We do not currently intend to pay dividends on ourClass A common stock;
Certain provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, Florida law, and U.S. banking laws could have anti-takeover effects;
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt, including the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and the Debentures;
We are an “emerging growtha holding company with limited operations and as a resultdepend on our subsidiaries for the funds required to make payments of principal and interest on the reduced disclosureSenior Notes, Subordinated Notes and governance requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, our common stock may be less attractive to investors;the Debentures;
We may be unableincur a substantial level of debt that could materially adversely affect our ability to attractgenerate sufficient cash to fulfill our obligations under the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and retain key people to support our business;the Debentures; and
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Severe weather, natural disasters, global pandemics, acts of war or terrorism, theft, civil unrest, government expropriation or other external events could have significant effects on our business;
theThe other factors and information in this Form 10-K and other filings that we make with the SEC under the Exchange Act and Securities Act. See “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-K.

The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in this Form 10-K. Because of these risks and other uncertainties, our actual future financial condition, results, performance or achievements, or industry results, may be materially different from the results indicated by the forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K. In addition, our past results of operations are not necessarily indicative of our future results of operations. You should not rely on any forward-looking statements as predictions of future events.
All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made by us or are attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary note. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update, revise or correct any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.
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Item 1. BUSINESS

Our Company
We are a bank holding company headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, with $7.8$9.7 billion in assets, $5.8$6.9 billion in loans held for investment, $5.7$7.9 billion in deposits, $783.4$736.1 million of shareholders’ equity, and $2.0$2.3 billion in assets under management and custody (“AUMs”AUM”) as of December 31, 2020.2023. We provide individuals and businesses with a comprehensive array of deposit, credit, investment, wealth management, retail banking, mortgage services and fiduciary services. We serve customers in our United States markets and select international customers. These services are offered through Amerant Bank, N.A., or the Bank, which is also headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, and its subsidiaries. Fiduciary, investment, and wealth management and mortgage services are provided by the Bank’s national trust company subsidiary, Amerant Trust, N.A., or Amerant Trust,Bank, the Bank’s securities broker-dealer subsidiary, Amerant Investments, Inc., or Amerant Investments, the Bank’s Grand Cayman based trust company subsidiary, Elant Bank & Trust Ltd., or the Cayman Bank, and the newly formed mortgage company, Amerant Mortgage, LLC.LLC, or Amerant Mortgage.
The Bank was founded in 1979 and is the second largest community bank headquartered in Florida. We currently operate 2523 banking centers where we offer personal and commercial banking services. The Bank’s three primary markets are South Florida, where we are headquartered and operate eighteen16 banking centers in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties; the greatercounties, and in Houston, Texas, area, where we have 7six banking centers that serve the nearby areas of Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend and Waller counties andcounties. We recently opened a loan production office, or LPO,new banking center in Dallas, Texas, which we opened in early 2019; and the greater New York City area,Tampa, FL, where we also maintainexpect to open a LPOregional headquarter office in 2024. The Bank intends to open several additional banking centers in 2024 and has obtained Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or OCC, approval to proceed with each location. The Bank intends to open new locations in downtown Miami, FL and in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 2024. The Bank also expects to open a new regional headquarter office in Plantation, FL in 2024 as previously announced in the third quarter of 2023.

Amerant Investments is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) and a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Amerant Investments provides introductory brokerage, investment and transactions services primarily for customers of the Bank. Amerant Mortgage offers a full complement of residential lending solutions including conventional, government, construction, jumbo loans, and other residential lending product offerings.

The Cayman Bank is a bank and trust company domiciled in George Town, Grand Cayman. The Cayman Bank operates under a Cayman Offshore Bank license, or B license, and a Trust license and is supervised by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, or CIMA. The Cayman Bank has no staff and its fiduciary services and general administration are provided by the staff of the Bank. Approximately 50% of our trust relationships, including those of many of our important foreign customers, employ Cayman Islands trusts and are domiciled in the Cayman Bank. The OCC periodically examines the Bank and reviews the fiduciary relationships and transactions that focuses on originating Commercial Real Estate (“CRE”) loans.the Bank manages for the Cayman Bank. In 2023, the Company approved a plan for the dissolution of the Cayman Bank, which is currently expected to be completed in 2024. We expect to retain certain trust relationships by migrating them to Florida foreign trust structures.

We have no foreign offices. The Cayman Bank does not maintain any physical offices in the Cayman Islands and has a registered agent in Grand Cayman as required by applicable regulations.
Through the Bank’s subsidiary, CB Reit Holding Corporation, or REIT Hold Co., we maintain a real estate investment trust, CB Real Estate Investments, or REIT, which is taxed as a real estate investment trust. The REIT holds various of the Bank’s real estate loans, and allows the Bank to better manage the Bank’s real estate portfolio.

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Our History
From 1987 through December 31, 2017, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercantil Servicios Financieros, C.A., which we refer to as the Former Parent.“Former Parent”. On August 10, 2018, we completed our spin-off from the Former Parent, or the Spin-off, through the distribution of 19,814,992 shares of our Class A common stock and 14,218,596 shares of our Class B common stock, in each case adjusted for a reverse stock split completed on October 24, 2018. Following the Spin-off, the Former Parent retained 19.9% of our Class A common stock, the Class A Retained Shares, and 19.9% of our Class B common stock, the Class B Retained Shares.Spin-off. Our shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock, together the Company Shares, began trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on August 13, 2018.
On December 21, 2018, we completed an initial public offering, the IPO, of 6,300,000 shares of Class A common stock. The Former Parent sold all 4,922,477 shares of its Class A Retained Shares in the IPO. We received no proceeds from the Former Parent’s sale of its Class A Retained Shares in the IPO. We sold 1,377,523 shares of our Class A common stock in the IPO and used all of the proceeds we received to repurchase 1,420,135.66 Class B Retained Shares from the Former Parent. In January 2019, we sold an additional 229,019 shares of our Class A common stock when the underwriters in the IPO completed the partial exercise of their over-allotment option which was granted in connection with the IPO.
At December 31, 2018,In November 18, 2021, we completed a clean-up merger resulting in the Former Parent beneficially owned less than 5%simplification of allour capital structure by automatically converting shares of the Company’s outstandingClass B common stock into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. November 17, 2021 was the last day of trading of the Company’s shares of Class B common stock andon “The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”) after which only the BoardCompany’s shares of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the Federal Reserve, determined that the Former Parent no longer controlled the Company for purposes of the BHC Act. In March 2019, we completed the repurchase of the remaining Class B Retained Shares from the Former Parent. Following this repurchase, the Former Parent no longer owns any Company Shares.
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Our Class A common stock andtraded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “AMTB”.
On August 3, 2023, the Company provided written notice to NASDAQ of its determination to voluntarily withdraw the principal listing of the Company’s Class BA common stock, are listed$0.10 par value per share (the “Class A common stock”), from NASDAQ and transfer the listing of the Common Stock to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The Company’s Common Stock listing and trading on NASDAQ ended at market close on August 28, 2023, and trading commenced on the Nasdaq Global Select MarketNYSE at market open on August 29, 2023 where it continues to trade under the trading symbolsstock symbol “AMTB” and “AMTBB,” respectively..
Amerant Trust Merger
On December 30, 2020 we filed applications with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or OCC, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC, seeking approval to consolidate our existing trust and wealth management business, presently conducted by Amerant Trust, with the commercial banking business conducted by the Bank, by merging Amerant Trust with and into the Bank.Our Markets

The mergerOur primary market areas are South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties), Tampa, FL and Houston, Texas. We serve our market areas from our headquarters in Coral Gables, FL and through a network of 16 banking locations in South Florida, 6 banking locations in Houston, Texas and 1 in Tampa, FL. Our subsidiary, Amerant Trust with the Bank is intendedMortgage, operates its business nationally and has direct access to simplify Amerant’s organizational structure, enhance oversight and management functions, and eliminate redundant compliance, reporting and other administrative costs. The transaction represents an internal corporate reorganization of the Bank with its wholly-owned, consolidated subsidiary, and it is not expected to result in any substantive change in the products or services presently offered by either the Bank or Amerant Trust. No offices of either entity will be closed or relocated.federal housing agencies.

Business Developments
Share Repurchase Program
On February 12, 2021,December 19, 2022, the mergerCompany announced that the Board of Amerant Trust with the Bank was approved by the FDIC and subsequently, on March 3, 2021, the OCC issued an official certification authorizing the merger as well as for the Bank to exercise fiduciary powers. The consolidation of Amerant Trust with the Bank will be effective April 1st, 2021.

Amerant Mortgage

We recently incorporatedDirectors authorized a new operating subsidiary, Amerant Mortgage, in partnership with a team of highly specialized residential real estate executives with a long track record of success in the residential mortgage arena. Respondingrepurchase program pursuant to the growing demand for residential mortgages, Amerant Mortgage will offer a full complement of residential lending solutions including conventional, government, Jumbo loans, and unique product offerings, ideally positioningwhich the Company may purchase, from time to become a true market leader. Additionally, Amerant’s residential mortgage team has been rolled into Amerant Mortgage. We expect Amerant Mortgagetime, up to be fully operational by the second quarteran aggregate amount of 2021.

New Brand
We began the transition$25 million of its shares of Class A common stock (the “2023 Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program”). The 2023 Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program was set to our new Amerant brandexpire on December 31, 2023 and logo in the fourth quarter of 2018. In October 2018, our principal subsidiaries incorporated the Amerant brand into their corporate names and in the following months we proceeded to fully incorporate the Amerant brand throughouton December 15, 2023, the Company and its communications, products, signs and services. On June 4, 2019,announced that the Company’s stockholdersBoard approved to extend the expiration date to December 31, 2024. In 2023, we repurchased an aggregate of 259,853 shares of Class A common stock at a proposal to change the Company’s name Amerant Bancorp Inc. Eachweighted average price of the Company, the Bank and its principal subsidiaries now operate$18.98 per share, under the “Amerant” brand.
For the purpose of effecting the Spin-off, we and our Former Parent entered into a separation agreement. Under this separation agreement, our Former Parent granted us a two-year license commencing on the date of the distribution associated with the Spin-off to use its name and marks in connection with our business. No fees were payable2023 Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program. The aggregate purchase price for the first year of the license and since we completed the rebranding and ceased to use all of our Former Parent’s name and marks prior to the first anniversary of the Spin-off. No fees were paid to our Former Parent for the use of its name and marks.

Segments
Prior to the second quarter of 2019,these transactions was approximately$4.9 million, including transaction costs. At December 2023, the Company had four reportable segments: Personal and Commercial Banking, Corporate LATAM, Treasury and Institutional. Results of these segments were presented on a managed basis. This structure was driven, among other things, by how the Company previously managed the business, how internal reporting was prepared and analyzed, and how management made decisions.$20 million available for repurchase under this repurchase program.

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In August 2019,Amerant Mortgage

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company announced that, duehad an 100% and 80% ownership interest in Amerant Mortgage, respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company increased its ownership interest in Amerant Mortgage to changes100% from 80%. This transaction had no material impact to the Company’s results of operations in 2023. In connection with the change in ownership interest, which brought the minority interest share to zero, the Company derecognized the equity attributable to noncontrolling interest of $3.8 million at December 31, 2023, with a corresponding reduction to additional paid-in capital. On March 31, 2022, the Company contributed $1.5 million in cash to Amerant Mortgage, increasing its ownership interest to 57.4% as of March 31, 2022 from 51% as of December 31, 2021. In addition, in the structure of its internal organization, it would report its financial performance as a single operating segment beginning with the quarterthree months ended June 30, 2019.2022, the Company increased its ownership interest in Amerant Mortgage to 80% from 57.4% at March 31, 2022. This change was consistent with the Company’s strategic shiftresult of: (i) two former principals of Amerant Mortgage surrendering their interest in Amerant Mortgage to focus on community banking after the spin-off from its Former Parent in August 2018, and the rebrandingCompany, when they became full time employees of the Company launched in April 2019. As partBank (the “Transfer of this strategic shift,Subsidiary Shares From Noncontrolling Interest”), and (ii) an additional contribution made by the Company significantly reduced its international lending activities which had been largely allocatedof $1 million, in cash, to Amerant Mortgage in the Corporate LATAM segment.three months ended June 30, 2022. As a result of these changes, all decisions, including those relatingthe Transfer of Subsidiary Shares From Noncontrolling Interest, the Company reduced its additional paid-in capital for a total of $1.9 million with a corresponding increase to loan growththe equity attributable to Noncontrolling interests.

Total mortgage loans held for sale were $26.2 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $62.4 million at December 31, 2022. In 2023, we acquired the remaining ownership interest in Amerant Mortgage as previously mentioned and concentrations, depositrightsized staffing given the current rate environment.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

In 2023, the Company continued to offer its Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) which was approved by shareholders in 2022. The number of shares of Class A common stock issued under the ESPP was 56,927 in 2023 compared to 35,337 in 2022.

The purpose of the ESPP is to provide eligible employees of the Company and other funding, market risk, credit risk, operational riskits designated subsidiaries with the opportunity to acquire a stock ownership interest in the Company on favorable terms. The ESPP provides for six month offering periods commencing each December 1st and pricing are now made after assessing their effectsending on May 31st of the following year and beginning on each June 1st and ending on the following November 30th. Our ESPP permits participating employees to purchase shares of our Class A common stock through payroll deductions of no less than 1% and up to 15% of their eligible compensation. Each participating employee is able to purchase a maximum of 5,000 shares of our Class A common stock during an offering period (subject to a limit of $25,000 in fair value of shares of our Class A common stock for each calendar year). The price per share is equal to the lower of 85% of the fair market price on the first trading day of the offering period or 85% of the fair market price on the last trading day of the offering period.

Amerant SPV, LLC

In May 2021, we incorporated Amerant SPV. As we seek to innovate, address customer needs and compete in a fast changing and competitive environment, our Company asis looking to partner with fintech and specialty finance companies that are developing cutting edge solutions and products and have the potential to improve our products and services to help our clients achieve their goals in a whole, using a single segment concept. Management determinedfast changing world. From time to time, the Company may evaluate select opportunities to invest and acquire non-controlling interests, through Amerant SPV, in companies it partners with, or may acquire non-controlling interests of fintech and specialty finance companies that no separate currentthe Company believes will be strategic or historical reportable segment disclosuresaccretive. In addition, through Amerant SPV, we may also invest in companies and funds that invest in technology companies that are required under generally accepted accounting principlesdeveloping solutions aimed at allowing financial institutions and community banks to more effectively compete and serve their customers. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s equity and non-equity investments through Amerant SPV totaled $7.3 million and $7.6 million, respectively. In 2023, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2.0 million related to an equity investment carried at cost which are included in other assets in the United Statesconsolidated balance sheets.
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Our Business Strategy

Amerant’s Strategy is designed to improve value for its three most important stakeholders: shareholders, clients, and employees.

Improve shareholder valueOur Markets by achieving top-quartile performance vs. peers
Bring the entire workforce aligned with a culture of attaining client primacy and driving organic growth
Measure everything against profitability to ensure prioritization of highest value opportunities.
Align enterprise-wide focus on executing defined strategic initiatives.

Be the “Bank of Choice” in the markets we serve by earning the Trusted Advisor role to the client
Deliver a relationship-first, solution-oriented approach.
Provide consistent, personalized client experiences driven by the proactive delivery of tailored
solutions, relationship-based pricing, and service excellence.
Create a simple, seamless, and streamlined onboarding and servicing experience.

Be the “Employer of Choice” in the markets we serve by attracting, retaining, developing, recognizing, and
rewarding our team members
Implement talent development programs that enable our people to pursue career aspirations,
expand their depth of knowledge, and improve their skill set.
Align incentives to strategic priorities and reward our team members for improving value to our
stakeholders.

Our primarygoals and objectives can be realized through the successful execution of a focused set of high-value Strategic Initiatives. Our Strategic Initiatives include:

Further Strengthen the Foundation to extract maximum value from our modern technology ecosystem and continuously strengthen our operational and technology infrastructure to keep pace with competitors and enable scalability and organizational agility.

OurRelationship-first Focus centered on acquiring client relationships with high long-term value potential by creating a culture of sales excellence and analytically empowering our people to deliver personalized experiences, tailored holistic solutions, and earn the role of trusted advisor.

DriveSuperior Experience and Operational Excellence through enhanced client onboarding, origination, and servicing to deliver streamlined, simple, and satisfying client experiences, reduce expenses, and fortify operational efficiency.

Attract, Retain, & Reward the Right People: Our people are the cornerstone of our success and have propelled the Bank forward amid numerous challenges. To sustain this momentum, we are committed to developing both internal and external pipelines and aligning incentives to strategic goals to acquire, retain, and reward the right people.

Profitably Grow the Bank by driving organic growth in priority markets, expanding international banking, developing a proven blueprint for new domestic market areas are South Florida,entry, and preparing the greater Houston, Texasbank to cross $10 billion in total assets.

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Progress on Strategic Initiatives
Further strengthen the foundation. The Company believes that having both the right foundation and the right technology is key to achieve this objective. In 2023, the Company launched a new Amerant website which provides improved user experienced with enhanced navigation and ease of access to information across all device types. Additionally, the Company completed the transition to Fidelity National Information Services’ (“FIS”) core data processing platform which improves our operations as well as upgrades the digital experience for our customers.

Relationship-first focus. We are focused on seizing opportunities in the markets we serve to increase our share of consumer, small business, and commercial core deposits while reducing our reliance on brokered funds. Our growth in 2023 was reflective of our deposits-first, organic, relationship-based approach. We generally use the following key metrics to track our progress on our relationship-first strategy: i) loan to deposits ratio, and ii) the ratio of non-interest bearing deposits to total deposits. The loan to deposit ratio at December 31, 2023 was 92.0%, compared to 98.2% at December 31, 2022. The ratio of non-interest bearing deposits to total deposits ratio was 18.1% at December 31, 2023 compared to 19.4% at December 31, 2022, which reflects growing consumer and business awareness of the rising interest rates and seeking better returns.

Drive superior experience and operational efficiency. The Company continues to work on optimizing its operating structure to support its business activities. In 2023, staff reduction costs include severance expenses, primarily related to severance expenses in connection with employment terminations and changes in certain positions. In addition, the completion of our core system transition to FIS is expected to yield significant annual savings, while allowing us to efficiently scale our business as we grow, achieve greater New York City area, especiallyoperational efficiencies and deliver advanced solutions and a superior experience to our customers. The Company is committed to continuous evaluation of staffing levels in all areas on an annual basis based on performance and business need.

Attract, retain & reward the five New York City boroughs.right people. In 2023, we remained committed to developing both internal and external pipelines and aligning incentives to strategic goals to acquire, retain, and reward the right people. We recruited two executives for the previously open positions for a new Head of Commercial Banking and a new Houston market president. We also announced the appointment of our new Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), which completed all expected executive-level changes in management, as our former CFO has now assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer. In addition, we have partnerships in place with universities in our local communities to promote social mobilities in communities we serve and diversify our market areas fromworkforce. We develop our headquarters in Coral Gables, Florida, andtalent through a networkgrowth mindset by building on existing skills and providing the right resources and opportunities to ensure early career talent can thrive at Amerant.

Profitably grow the Bank. In 2023, we continued to drive organic growth in priority markets. We optimized our international banking structure with the intent to grow international deposits as a source of 18funds given favorable pricing while also continuing to add diversification to our funding base. As previously mentioned, we recently opened a new banking locationscenter in South Florida and seven banking locations in the greater Houston, Texas area. We also maintain a LPO in New York, New York that focuses on originating CRE loans, and a LPO in Dallas, Texas that originates all types of commercial loans. AsTampa, FL as part of our strategic plan,ongoing efforts in addition to expansion in ourcapturing domestic market areas, we may further diversify our markets through entry into other large metropolitan markets, especially in other major cities in Texas. Expansion may include LPOs and banking centers.share,




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Credit Policies and Procedures
General. We adhere to what we believe are disciplined underwriting standards. We maintain asset quality through an emphasis on local market knowledge, long-term customer relationships, consistent and thorough underwriting for all loans and a conservative credit culture. We also seek to maintain a broadly diversified loan portfolio across geographies, customers, products and industries. Our lending policies do not provide for any loans that are highly speculative, subprime, or that have high loan-to-value ratios. These components, together with active credit management, are the foundation of our credit culture, which we believe is critical to enhancing the long-term value of our organization to our customers, employees, shareholders and communities.
Credit Concentrations. In connection with the management of our credit portfolio, we actively manage the composition of our loan portfolio, including credit concentrations. Our loan approval policies establish concentration limits with respect to industry and loan product type to ensure portfolio diversification, which are reviewed at least annually. The CRE concentration limits include sub-limits by type of property and geographic market, which are reviewed semi-annually. Country limits for loans to foreign borrowers are also assessed semi-annually.annually. In general, all concentration levels are monitored on a monthly basis.
Loan Approval Process. We seek to achieve an appropriate balance between prudent and disciplined underwriting and flexibility in our decision-making and responsiveness to our customers. As of December 31, 2020,2023, the Bank had a legal lending limit of approximately $136.1$144.7 million for unsecured loans, and its “in-house” single obligor lending limit was $35.0 million for CRE loans, representing 25.7%24.2% of our legal lending limit and $30.0 million for all other loans, representing 22.1%20.7% of our legal lending limit as of such date. Our credit approval policies provide the highest lending authority to our credit committee, as well as various levels of officer and senior management lending authority for new credits and renewals, which are based on position, capability and experience. These limits are reviewed periodically by the Bank’s boardBoard of directors.Directors. We believe that our credit approval process provides for thorough underwriting and sound and efficient decision making.
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Credit Risk Management. We use what we believe is a comprehensive methodology to monitor credit quality and prudently manage credit concentrations within our loan portfolio. Our underwriting policies and practices govern the risk profile and credit and geographic concentration of our loan portfolio. We also have what we believe to be a comprehensive methodology to monitor these credit quality standards, including a risk classification system that identifies possible problem loans based on risk characteristics by loan type as well as the early identification of deterioration at the individual loan level.
Credit risk management involves a collective effort among our Relationship Managersrelationship managers and credit underwriting, credit administration, credit risk and collections personnel. We generally conduct weekly credit committee meetings to approve loans at or above $10$20 million (loans for customers with an aggregate exposure equal to or above $10$20 million are also considered by the credit committee) and review any other credit related matter. OnceIn addition, starting in the third quarter of 2021, the credit committee also began weekly reviews of the non-performing loan portfolio, with a month,goal of prudently reducing the assetlevels of these non-earning assets. Asset quality trends and delinquencies are also reviewed by the credit committee and reports are elevated to senior management and the boardBoard of directors.Directors. Our policies require rapid notification of delinquency and prompt initiation of collection actions. Relationship Managers,managers, credit administration personnel and senior management proactively support collection activities. Our evaluation andThe variable incentive compensation program forof our Relationship Managers includesrelationship managers is subject to downward adjustment based on the asset quality goals, such asof each relationship manager’s portfolio. We believe that having the percentage of past due loans and charge-offsability to total loans inadjust their incentive compensation based on asset quality motivates the officer’s portfolio, that we believe motivate the Relationship Managersrelationship managers to focus on the origination and maintenance of high qualityhigh-quality credits consistent with our strategic focus on asset quality.


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Deposits
Our deposits serve as the primary funding source for lending, investing and other general banking purposes. We provide a full range of deposit products and services, including a variety of checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, debit cards, remote deposit capture, online banking, mobile banking, and direct deposit services. We also offer business accounts and cash management services, including business checking and savings accounts and treasury management services for our commercial clients. We solicit deposits through our relationship-driven team of dedicated and accessible bankers, through community-focused marketing and, increasingly, through our dedicated national online channel. We also seek to cross-sell deposit and wealth management products and services at loan origination, and loans to our depository and other customers. Our deposits are fully-insured by the FDIC,Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), subject to applicable limits. See “-Supervision and Regulation.”
We utilize brokered deposits. As of December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, core deposits were $5.6 billion, and $5.3 billion, 70.9% and 75.5% of our total deposits at those dates, respectively. Our core deposits consist of total deposits excluding all time deposits.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had brokered deposits of $634.5$736.9 million and $682.4$629.3 million, 11.1%9.3% and 11.9%8.9% of our total deposits at those dates, respectively.
Following the Spin-off, we have sought to continue to increase our share of domestic deposits by continuing our banking center expansion and reconfiguration plans and focusing on improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Investment, Advisory and Trust Services
We offer a wide variety of trust and estate planning products and services catering to high net worth customers, our trust and estate planning products include simple and complex trusts, private foundations, personal investment companies and escrow accounts. Until March 31, 2021, these products and services will be offered through Amerant Trust and the Cayman Bank. Effective April 1st, 2021, Amerant Trust will be merged into the Bank, see “Amerant Trust Merger” above, and all trust products and services offered by Amerant Trust will now be directly offered by the Bank. Upon completion of the merger, Amerant Trust’s wholly-owned subsidiary, CTC Management Services, LLC, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank and will continue to provide corporate and ancillary administrative services for fiduciary relationships.
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The Cayman Bank is a bank and trust company domiciled in George Town, Grand Cayman. The Cayman Bank operates under a Cayman Offshore Bank license, or B license, and a Trust license and is supervised by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, or CIMA. The Cayman Bank has no staff and its fiduciary services and general administration are provided by the staff of Amerant Trust and the Bank, respectively, under separate agreements (upon completion of the merger of Amerant Trust into the Bank, all fiduciary services and general administration services to the Cayman Bank will be provided by staff of the Bank). Approximately 50% of our trust relationships, including those of many of our important foreign customers, employ Cayman Islands trusts and are domiciled in the Cayman Bank. The OCC periodically examines the Bank and Amerant Trust and reviews the fiduciary relationships and transactions that Amerant Trust and the Bank manage for the Cayman Bank. The Cayman Bank serves a number of our trust and wealth management customers, and developsdeveloped high net worth international customer relationships with offshore trust and estate planning services. In 2023, the Company approved a plan for the dissolution of the Cayman Bank, which is expected to be completed in 2024. We expect to retain certain trust relationships by migrating them to Florida foreign trust structures.
We also offer brokerage and investment advisory services in global capital markets through Amerant Investments, which is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) and a registered investment adviser with the SEC.Investments. Amerant Investments acts as an introducing broker-dealer through Pershing (a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon) to obtain clearing, custody and other ancillary services. Amerant Investments offers a wide range of products, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, equity securities, fixed income securities, structured products, discretionary portfolio management, margin lending and online equities trading. Amerant Investments has distribution agreements with many major U.S. and international asset managers, as well as with some focused boutique providers. Amerant Investments provides its services to the Bank’s U.S. domestic and international customers. The Bank’s retail customers are offered non-FDIC insured investment products and services exclusively through Amerant Investments.
Other Products and Services
We offer banking products and services that we believe are attractively priced with a focus on customer convenience and accessibility. We offer a full suite of online banking services including online account opening for domestic and international customers, access to account balances, statements and other documents, Zelle for consumer and businesses, online transfers, online bill payment and electronic delivery of customer statements, as well as automated teller machines (“ATMs”), and banking by mobile device,devices, telephone and mail. In 2020,We continuously look for ways for improving our products, services and delivery channels. For example, we currently offer Amerant CoverMe, launched numerous upgradesin February 2022, which is a program that eliminates overdraft fees for up to our digital channels, these included the launch of a completely updated mobile app for consumer$100 and small businesshelps customers avoid declined transactions, returned checks and overdrafts. Amerant also currently provides its customers with many new features and an updated look and feel. Based on the successOverdraft Protection program, which allows customers to link eligible checking accounts to automatically transfer available funds from backup account(s) to cover transactions that exceed their available balance.
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Table of our 2019 launch of Zelle, we expanded this service to our small business customers in the first quarter of 2021. Also, the Bank expanded its online account opening capabilities to include transactional accounts for domestic and international retail customers.Contents

Many of the services provided through our online platform are also available via our mobile application for smart devices. We also offer debit cards, night depositories, direct deposit, cashier’s checks, safe deposit boxes in various locations and letters of credit, as well as treasury management services, including wire transfer services, remote deposit capture and automated clearinghouse services. In addition, we offer other more complex financial products such as derivative instruments, including interest rate swap and cap contracts, to more sophisticated lending customers.

Investments
Our investment policy, set by our boardBoard of directors,Directors, requires that investment decisions be made based on, but not limited to, the following four principles: investment quality, liquidity requirements, interest-rate risk sensitivity and estimated return on investment. These characteristics are pillars of our investment decision-making process, which seeks to minimize exposure to risks while providing a reasonable yield and liquidity. Under the direction of the Asset-liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) and senior management, the Bank’s employees have delegated authority to investinvestment in securities withinare made following specified policy and program guidelines.
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Information Technology Systems
We continueAs part of our continued efforts to make significant investments inimprove our information technology systems for our depositplatforms and lending operationsdrive operating efficiency, in the fourth quarter of 2021 the Company entered into a new multi-year outsourcing agreement with financial technology leader FIS to assume full responsibility over a significant number of the Bank’s support functions and treasury management activities. We believe that these investments,staff, including additional technology changes to implement our strategic plan, are essential to enhance our overall customer experience, to support our compliance, internal controls and efficiency initiatives, to expand our capabilities to offer new products, and to provide scale for future growth and acquisitions. We license ourcertain back-office operations. The Company completed the transition of its core data processing platform from a nationally recognized bank software vendor, which weand other applications in the fourth quarter of 2023. We believe provides us withthese platform and applications have essential functionalities and scalability to support our continued growth. Our internal networkgrowth and the majority of our key applications are maintained or hosted in-house, while our focus on technology use to support our business strategies has led to increased digital investments. The scalability of our infrastructure is designed to support our expansion strategy. In addition, we leverageUnder this outsourcing relationship, the capabilities of third-party service providersBank expects to augment the technical capabilitiesachieve greater operational efficiencies and expertise that is required for us to operate as an effectivedeliver advanced solutions and efficient organization. In December 2019, we engaged Salesforce® forservices to its Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”) system, which we successfully rolled out in 2020. This customizable platform enables the Company to integrate its marketing campaigns, onboarding processes and customer service. In December 2019, we also engaged nCino® for its loan origination platform and in 2020 completed its launched for our commercial banking customers and expect to launch it for our retail customers in the third quarter of 2021. nCino®’s loan origination platform will be fully integrated with Salesforce® CRM system and will enable customers, portfolio managers and underwriters to collaborate in real-time, potentially creating important efficiency gains n the loan origination process.customers.

The Bank is actively engaged in identifying and managing cybersecurity risks. Protecting company data, non-public customer and employee data, and the systems that collect, process, and maintain this information is deemed critical. The Bank has an enterprise-wide Information Security Program, or Security Program, which is designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of customer non-public information and bank data. The Security Program was also designed to protect our operations and assets through a continuous and comprehensive cybersecurity detection, protection and prevention program. This program includes an information security governance structure and related policies and procedures, security controls, protocols governing data and systems, monitoring processes, and processes to ensure that the information security programs of third-party service providers are adequate. Our Security Program also continuously promotes cybersecurity awareness and culture across the organization. See Section 1C. Cybersecurity for additional information on how we address and manage cybersecurity risks.

The Bank also has a business continuity/disaster recovery plan, or BCP, which it actively manages to prepare for any business continuity challenges it may face. Our BCP provides for the resiliency and recovery of our operations and services to our customers. The plan is supported and complemented by a robust business continuity governance framework, a life safety program as well as an enterprise-wide annual exercise and training to keep the program and strategies effective, scalable and understood by all employees. We believe both the Information Security Program and BCP adhere to industry best practices and comply with the guidelines of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, or FFIEC, and are subject to periodic testing and independent audits.


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Competition
The banking and financial services industry in our footprint is highly competitive, and we compete with a wide range of lenders and other financial institutions within our markets, including local, regional, national and international commercial banks and credit unions. We also compete with mortgage companies, brokerage firms, trust service providers, consumer finance companies, mutual funds, securities firms, insurance companies, third-party payment processors, financial technology companies, or Fintechs,fintechs, and other financial intermediaries on various of our products and services. Some of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions and the level of regulatory supervision applicable to us.
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Interest rates on loans and deposits, as well as prices on fee-based services, are typically significant competitive factors within the banking and financial services industry. Many of our competitors are much larger financial institutions that have greater financial resources than we do and compete aggressively for market share. These competitors attempt to gain market share through their financial product mix, pricing strategies and larger banking center networks. Other important competitive factors in our industry and markets include office locations and hours, quality of customer service, community reputation, continuity of personnel and services, capacity and willingness to extend credit, electronic delivery systems and ability to offer sophisticated banking products and services. While we seek to remain competitive with respect to fees charged, interest rates and pricing, we believe that our broad and sophisticated commercial banking productand financial products suite, our high-quality customer service culture, our positive reputation, brand recognition, and long-standing community relationships enable us to compete successfully within our markets and enhance our ability to attract and retain customers.
Our Business Strategy
Our strategic plan is centered on building core commercialcustomers and personal relationships and focuses on deepening existing deposit and lending activities with current clients and increasing our customer base by enhancing the value proposition of our products and services by tailoring them to targeted segment needs.employees.

Our strategic objectives include:
Increase domestic core deposits, focused on client acquisition and deepen relationships by bundling products to increment client stickiness, as well as gain a greater share of each customer’s business;
Enhance retail and commercial sales and servicing approaches with a consultative needs based and high touch perspective, using CRM tools;
Retain international deposits by adding new and revamped products bundles and improving the customer journey;
Expand and improve digital capabilities to increase the use of data analytics for the acquisition and onboarding of customers in high value business segments, as well as to enhance customer service journeys;

Amplify digital offering to attract core and time deposit accounts;
Focus on more granulated domestic lending opportunities, especially relationship-driven consumer, commercial, business and CRE loans, that may improve our returns at lower risks;
Improve cross-selling among all business lines, with a focus on attracting core deposits, fee income and loans, while building broader, more profitable customer relationships, including wealth management;
Increase non-interest fee income through our cash management products, interest rate swaps, private banking and wealth management services;
Buildup our scalable wealth management business with more domestic, as well as international customers;
Where possible, reconfigure banking centers to smaller banking centers of the future facilities, and relocate certain banking centers to better locations as existing leases expire;
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Upgrade the customer experience by:
improving online and mobile banking for retail and commercial customers;
transforming our banking centers to provide a seamless retail banking experience with staff focused on consultative customer service across the full range of products we offer with less emphasis on routine transactions;
streamlining and expediting product applications, transactions and customer processes compliant with regulatory requirements, such as data privacy and anti-money laundering; and
providing quicker decisions on customer requests while maintaining accountability and appropriate credit and compliance standards;
Increase the use of digital tools (CRM and a new loan origination system) to streamline the sales process and increase efficiency;
Reduce staffing generally, including as a result of more automated and better integrated systems;
Reduce and reorganize the space we occupy in our main office to increase the amount and attractiveness of space available for lease to third parties; and
Align responsibilities and incentives to achieve these goals.
Human Capital Management
The Company’s key human capital management objectives are to attract, retain and develop the highest quality talent. To support these objectives, the Company’s human resources programs are designed to continuously develop talent; reward and support employeesour team members through competitive pay and benefits; enhance the Company’s culture through efforts aimed at making the workplace more engaging and inclusive; and engage employeesteam members as brand ambassadors of our products and experiences.
Our corporate culture and
Guided by our core values, (focus on the customer, innovative and forward thinking, sound financial management, doing what is right, collaborative thinking, developing our people and strengthening our communities) reflect our commitmentsat Amerant are committed to providing our customers investors, employees,with the right products, services and advisory services; treating everyone as we expect to be treated; being leaders in innovation, quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction; consistently exceeding expectations; promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment; holding ourselves and each other accountable; and being the communitiesbank of choice in which we do business. These values serve as guiding principles to provide a safe and positive work environment for our employees and delivering on our goals to our customers, investors, stakeholders and communitiesthe markets we serve. We believe we have a strong workforce, with a good mix of professional credentials, experience, tenure and diversity, thatwhich coupled with their commitment to uncompromising values, provide the foundation for our Company’s success.

The Company’s Human Capital Management includes the following areas of focus:
Talent
Talent.Attracting, developing, and retaining the best talent with the right skills and values, in accordance with our precepts, is central to our long-term strategy to drive our success.
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Our workforce composition is managed in alignmentaligned with our business needs. Management believestrusts it has adequate human capital to operate its business successfully. The Company and its subsidiaries had 714682 full-time equivalent employees, or FTEs, at the end of 2020.2023. Approximately 91%85% of our employees areworkforce is in Florida, 7% in Texas and 1%8% in New York. Our workforce was 48% maleother states to support the growth and 52% female atexpansion of Amerant Mortgage, and Amerant’s remote work program.

Talent acquisition efforts remained focused on sales, business development and revenue generating roles, accounting for 49% of all hires. In addition, temporary resources were contracted to support our customers through the close of 2020, and women represented 40% of Amerant’s middle management leadership (as classified by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Category “Middle, First Management Officials”). The ethnicityCompany’s transition to FIS’ core data processing platform. In 2023, we acquired the talent to support the expansion of our workforce was 85% Hispanic, 8% White, 3% Black, 2% Asian,Domestic Retail Banking Division, opening new banking centers in Downtown Miami, Key Biscayne and 2% other.
We believe the combination of competitive compensation and career growth and development opportunities have helped increase employee tenure and reduce voluntary turnover. The average tenure of our workforce is approximately 10 years. Voluntary workforce turnover (rolling 12-month attrition) was 14% at the end of 2020 (excluding a voluntary early retirement plan implemented by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2020).
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on how we managed our human capital. A significant portion of our workforce worked remotely, and we instituted safety protocols and procedures for employees who continued to work on site. Due to the current climate, including COVID-19 impacts, and the changing environment in which we are operating, the Company has generated efficiencies in its staffing, including limiting hiring to critical business roles, and those that advance our digital transformation strategy. Consequent to the environment, we relied heavily on using contingent workforce, accounting for approximately 25% of our 2020 new hires.Tampa. Our talent acquisition team uses internal and external resources to recruit highly skilled and talented workers, and we encourage and reward employee referrals for open positions. Our emphasis on employee retention, employee evaluations and career progression contributed to a promotion rate of approximately 7% in 2020.We recruithire the best peopleperson for the job without regard to gender, ethnicity or other protected traits and it is our policy to comply fully with all federal and state laws relating to discrimination in the workplace.
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Additionally, within the Company’s effort to streamline operations and better align its operating structure with its business activities, reorganization efforts adopted in 2020 led to a reduction in force of 62 employees.
Learning and Development
Development.Our employeesteam members are inspired to achieve their full potential through learning and development opportunities, recognition, and motivation. We invest in creating opportunities to help employeesthem grow and build their careers through a multitude of traininglearning and development programs. These include online instructor-led and on-the-job learning assignments. Our learning and development strategy is aligned with the global Association for Talent Development and our business strategy.Understanding that all employees learneveryone learns differently, we offer a variety ofvarious learning options, including traditional classroom, learning, virtual, learning, any time learning,any-time, mobile, learning, and social collaboration.

In 2020, amidst a pandemic,2023, we continued to emphasize employee development and training. To empower employeesour team members to reach their full potential we provided aby providing diverse range of learning programs, opportunities, and resources. We useused an online talent development tool that provides employeesto provide team members with a variety ofvarious learning options, including access to instructor-led classroom and virtual courses, on-demand recorded sessions and self-paced web-based courses.We also introduced apromoted our partnership with LinkedIn LearningCornerstone Content Anytime to support our team members' ongoing, ever-changing needs on topics such as leading effectively, overall mental health and increased the learning options for our employees, which in 2020 contributed an additional 491 hours of learning with 1,309 courses viewed.We also leveraged LinkedIn Learning to launch a curriculum for our leaders that focused on the right skills to lead through the pandemic including leading during great times of change,well-being, and managing and monitoring teams and performance at a distance.organizational time management.

The primary focus for learning in 20202023 included supporting the organization in the launch of our new digital tools, Salesforcetransformation to FIS and nCino, supporting leaders in managingupskilling their ability to lead teams effectively, manage performance duringand drive change to reach organizational business goals. Additionally, we focused on Digital Sales Enablement by supporting the pandemic, and continuing withDigital Transformation team in relaunching our efforts in the areas of sales, customer service and digital transformation. Customer Relationship Management, or CRM, tool, known internally as Harmony.

We delivered approximately 24,00023,000 learning hours and invested an average of $1,147 dollarsover $1,050 per employeeteam member in all our learning programs. To support consistency with maintaining learning hours in alignment with industry standards, we launched a partnership with LinkedIn Learning. This partnership will allow team members to complete learning courses on demand based on individualized development needs.
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We also continue offering higher-education tuition costscost reimbursement programs, which are aimed at helping our employeesteam members put their career goals within reach and provide them with access to a wide variety of degrees and certificates. In 2023 we established a partnership with Westfield Business School, which provides our team members an opportunity to complete an Executive MBA at a low cost.

In addition to the efforts for learning and development, the executive leadership team has worked to create management succession plans and individual development plans for the officers within the organization. This focus on Talent Management ensures we strengthen the organization’s overall capability by identifying critical roles and high-potential team members. The development plans are heavily focused on meeting the organization’s future needs.
Employee engagement
As we continue in our efforts to develop and promote women, we launched our Grit and Grace Women’s Development program at the end of 2023. The program aims to elevate and develop high performing, high potential women, as we continue to prepare talent for the senior leadership bench.

Employee engagement.To assess and improve employee retention and engagement, the Company regularly conducts anonymous surveys to seek feedback from our employeesteam members on a variety of topics, including but not limited to confidence in company leadership, the competitiveness of our compensation and benefits package, career growth opportunities, and improvements on how we could make our company an employer of choice.In 2020, we established a successful partnership with Qualtrics as our leading survey provider. This relationship allowed us to:
Immediately access survey results for faster action planning.
Create ad hoc surveys and administer pulse surveys mid-year.
Provide managers with direct access to their results using a reporting dashboard allowing them to take ownership and action on their results.
Have seamless integration with our customer experience data.

In 2023 we continued to capture team member sentiments at all stages of the team member’s life cycle, from onboarding to offboarding. We also launched our annual Engagement Survey. We achieved a 89% participation rate in our 2020 employee engagement survey while76% Engagement score (As per the engagementEngagement Survey vendor’s thresholds, any score remained stable at 79%. For two consecutive years, Amerant managed to sustainthat is above 60% represents extremely high engagement levels even under the difficult pandemic scenario. This engagement level exceeds the 72% Qualtrics Global Average.
The Company closely monitors the implementation of these surveys and results are shared with our employees and reviewed by senior leadership, who analyze areas of progress or deterioration and prioritize actions and activities to drive meaningful improvements in employee engagement. Management believes that the Company's employee relations are favorable.
In 2020, the Company began sponsoring Team ECHO (Empowerment, Commitment and Harmonious Opportunities), a group of employees that support and promote certain mutual objectives of both the employees and the Company. Team ECHO is charged with developing specific actions aimed at improving the employee experience on several key strategic priorities including:
Increasing the levels of cross functional collaboration,
Generating awareness and sharing knowledge of our products and services, and
Improving work processes that impact the employee and customer experience.engagement).

In addition to surveying, we spent time on a team member listening tour to capture team members’ thoughts on life at Amerant, including Amerant Culture, Benefits, Learning and Development opportunities, and recognition. These sentiments were shared with the senior management team, and we created an action plan to address the feedback received, which we expect to implement in 2024.

As we approached the transition date of our core data processing platform and other applications in the fourth quarter of 2023, we wanted to ensure our team members were ready for the transition. To help team members embrace change and overcome adversity, we partnered with Alec Ingold, Full Back for the Miami Dolphins to lead our team members through four months of “change talks”. This program helped our team members to develop strategies to adapt to change in new ways while also sparking motivation and innovation across our team.
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Health and Safety
Safety.Consistent with our operating principles, the health and safety of our employeesteam members is of top priority. Hazards in the workplace are actively identified and management tracks incidents so remedial actions can be taken to improve workplace safety. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored for us the importance of keeping our employees safe and healthy. In response to the pandemic, the Company has taken actions aligned with the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect its workforce so they can more safely and effectively perform their work.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company implemented several protocols to ensure the health and safety of our employees. The below actions have been implemented during the pandemic:
Enabling remote work;
Requiring masks to be worn in all locations;
Encouraging any employee who is sick to stay home;
Providing regular communication to employees regarding health and safety protocols, temperature screening, reporting process, as well as giving guidance on staying safe in their personal lives;
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Implementing hands free, contact less, temperature kiosks to take employee temperature upon arrival to the office;
Increasing cleaning protocols and providing additional cleaning supplies across all locations;
Providing personal protective equipment to all branch personnel;
Implementing protocols to address actual and suspected COVID-19 cases and potential exposures;
Establishing new social distancing procedures for employees who need to be onsite;
Encouraging employees not to travel and, if needed, instructing them on the process to follow upon their return.safety.

In addition, the Company launched wellness activities in response to COVID-19, including the “Get Moving with Amerant” program, a series of activities aimed at helping employees manage stress, health, and overall wellness.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”). In 2023, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, also known as the I Belong program, continued launching activities within its strategic roadmap, pillars, and goals. Our four pillars focus on Talent, Workplace, Communication, and Community.

Our diversity and inclusion objectivesgoals are to build teams that reflect the life experiencescommunities we serve while hiring and supporting diverse talent. The ethnicity of our employees, while employingworkforce was 76% Hispanic, 17% White, 4% Black, 2% Asian, and supporting a diverse array5% other. Our workforce was 47% male and 53% female at the close of voices in our corporate environment.2023, and women represented 51% of Amerant’s middle management leadership (as classified by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Category “Middle, First Management Officials”). Over 50% of our workforce is female, and a great majoritymost of our workforce self-identifies as Hispanic or Latino. OurAlso, the Bank has a 41% representation of females in senior leadership roles. In addition, the Company’s Board of Directors, which consists of 11 members, currently has 4 female independent directors.

In alignment with our Talent pillar, the I Belong program focused on attracting early career talent through partnerships with local schools, including the Florida International University, Barry University, and Miami Dade College. In 2023 we hosted 9 interns from Florida International University, Barry University and Miami Dade College. The program resulted in five of the six interns being offered continued employment.

As part of our Workplace pillar, educating our team members, increasing the I Belong brand presence, and driving an inclusive environment through our Business Resources Groups and Executive DEI Council were a focus for 2023. We launched our first Resource Group, “We Are Multicultural” which aims to promote ethnic inclusion across all levels of the organization.

As we continue building a DEI awareness culture, our team member learning programs also reflect our diversity and inclusion principles are also reflected inpillars. In 2023 we continued our employee training, particularlypartnership with respecta learning provider to provide our policies against harassmentExecutive Leadership team with education on DEI Conscious Inclusion. In addition, team members were assigned a customized Unconscious Bias course to ensure team members have the skills to recognize and the elimination of bias in the workplace. counter biases.

For over 20 years, we have championed targeted development programs for underrepresented talent in partnership with the Center for Financial Training, a local chapter of the American Bankers Association.

Total Rewards
As part of our compensation philosophy, we (compensation and benefits). We believe in a competitive, total rewards program aligned with our business objectives and the interests of our stakeholders. We remain committed to delivering a compensation program with the fundamental principles of fairness, transparency, efficiency, and compliance with laws and regulations. Based on specific job position and market conditions, our total rewards program combines fixed and variable compensation: base salary, short-term incentive, equity-based long-term incentive, and a broad range of benefits. This compensation approach plays a significant role in our ability to attract, retain and motivate the quality of talent necessary to achieve our strategic business goals and drive sustained performance. Our ESPP, was the latest benefit rolled out to our team members, which enables them to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a 15% discount with a look-back feature.

Our compensation model engages employeesencourages team members to contribute towards the achievement of shared corporate objectives, while differentiating pay on performance based on individual contributions. In 2023, the Amerant internal Deposit Referral Fee Program was designed to incentivize our team members for the referral of new deposit business.
Wellness
Based on our commitment to and knowledge that maintaining fair and transparent compensation principles and a diverse and inclusive culture for our teams has a direct impact on engagement, drive and performance, in 2023, we conducted a high level pay equity analysis to estimate the adjusted gender pay gap. According to the outcome of this analysis Amerant Bank pay gap falls in the low range for a typical U.S. organization and U.S. based commercial bank.
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Wellness:The Company takes pride in providing excellent health and wellness benefits to our employeesteam members and their families. The benefits package offered includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision, as well as supplemental short and long-term life and out of pocket costs insurance. Along with these benefits we also offer Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Medical Plans
Plans:Our nationwide healthcare plans allow full timefull-time and part time employeespart-time team members to select from multiple health plan options. The company provides competitive medical premiums, including a wellness premium discount when employeesteam members complete preventive requirements and completion of a health risk assessment. The Company contributes up to 91%92% towards the medical premium depending on the tier chosen and whether wellness requirements have been completed. The Company also contributes $500 towards the HSA accounts at the beginning of each year when the employeeteam member has the high deductible medical plan for the employeeteam member only coverage and $1000$1,000 for all other tiers on the high deductible plans. In 2020, the Company started offering coverage of COVID-19 testing under all Company medical plans at no cost to the employees and their dependents.

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Dental, Vision and Legal Plans
Full timePlans: Full-time and part time employeespart-time team members are eligible to participate in our dental, vision, and legal plan offerings. The Company contributes up to 100% depending on the plan and chosen tier and provides access to numerous providers across the country. EmployeesTeam members can also choose to purchase out of pocket insurance policies providing income protection and cash for services with five different plans from accident, short term disability, cancer, hospital indemnity, and critical care. The Legal Plan is an attorney owned and operated legal plan offering comprehensive legal assistance, adviseadvice, and discounted representation on all types of legal services.

Life, AD&D and Disability
Disability:Group Basic Life and AD&D Insurance is offered to all full timefull-time and part time employees,part-time team members, at two times their annual salary with a maximum coverage of $300,000. EmployeesTeam members may choose to purchase additional life insurance up to 5 times their annual salary to a specified limit.max of $750,000. Full time and part time employeespart-time team members also benefit from free Short-TermShort & Long-Term Disability insurance.

Retirement Plans
Plans:In addition to health insurance benefits, the Company also offers to all employeesteam members a tax-qualified retirement contribution plan with the Company’s 100% matching contribution up to 5% of a participant’s eligible compensation, and a non-tax qualified retirement contribution plan to certain eligible high-compensated employees.highly compensated team members. Our total benefits package supports our employee’steam member’s well-being to achieve a healthy and financial lifestyle goal. The Company also offers a post-tax ROTH retirement plan complementary to the tax-qualified retirement contribution plan, up to 2% after-tax contribution.
Other Subsidiaries
Intermediate Holding Company
The Company owns the Bank through our wholly-owned, intermediate holding company, Amerant Florida Bancorp Inc., or Amerant Florida. Amerant Florida is the obligor under the $64.2 million aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debentures related to our outstanding trust preferred securities at December 31, 2020, and the unconditional guarantor of the $60 million Senior Debt we issued in 2020. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, Amerant Florida had cash and cash equivalents of $16.6 million and $48.9 million, respectively, on a stand-alone basis. See — “Capital Resources and Liquidity Management” for details.
The REIT
Through the Bank’s subsidiary, CB Reit Holding Corporation, or REIT Hold Co., we maintain a real estate investment trust, CB Real Estate Investments, or REIT, which is taxed as a real estate investment trust. The REIT holds various of the Bank’s real estate loans, and allows the Bank to better manage the Bank’s real estate portfolio.
Dividend Restrictions
As a bank holding company, our ability to pay dividends is affected by the policies and enforcement powers of the Federal Reserve. In addition, because we are a bank holding company, we are dependent upon the payment of dividends by the Bank as our principal source of funds to pay dividends in the future, if any, and to make other payments. The Bank is also subject to various legal, regulatory and other restrictions on its ability to pay dividends and make other distributions and payments to us. For further information, see “Supervision and Regulation-Payment of Dividends.”

EMERGING GROWTH COMPANY STATUS
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We are an “emerging growth company,” or “EGC”, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). As such, we are eligible to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an EGC can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an EGC can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We intend to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period, for as long as it is available. We will remain an EGC until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of our common equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, (2) the date on which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and (3) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. References herein to “emerging growth company” have the meaning provided in the JOBS Act.
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Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”)

During 2023 we evolved our ESG program to Sustainability Program and named it “Impact” to reflect the scope of our ultimate goal, and in accordance with industry trends. We completed a series of activities within the scope of the program. In the environmental front, some of those activities included: i) base-lining scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, defining long-term carbon emission targets and purchasing green-house gas emission offsets to reach carbon neutrality in 2022 and pre-purchasing carbon emission offsets to cover our calculated baseline scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions for 2023 through 2025; ii) implementing data management tools in our loan and core systems to code and monitor for Environmentally Conscious Financing (“ECF”); iii) establishing a partnership with the Everglades Foundation in South Florida; and (iv) transitioning to the use of ocean bound plastic for all Amerant plastic cards. In the social front, some of those activities included: i) hosting our various Internship Programs in partnership with local colleges and universities in South Florida, which serve as a diverse source of talent; ii) launching Amerant’s Down-payment Assistance Program (“ADAP”) for first-time home buyers through our subsidiary Amerant Mortgage; (iii) performing team member engagement survey and internal fair pay gap assessment based on gender; and (iv) launching “Top Women Performers" Program and mandatory online education course on unconscious bias for all team members. In the governance front, some of those activities included: (i) increasing women and minority representation in our Board of Directors and (ii) integrating sustainability factors into our procurement and third party, strategic and reputational risk frameworks.

In2023, we continued to advance our Impact Program initiatives and completed a series of activities within the scope of the program. Those activities included: i) pre-purchasing carbon emission offsets to cover our calculated baseline scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions for 2023 through 2025; ii) launching and offering team members an online course on the “Return On Investment (ROI) of Going Green,” as part of our efforts to sponsor environmentally conscious activities; iii) sponsoring the “Dream in Green” program - the Green Schools Challenge, which engages students in hands-on activities to save energy and water at school and teaches them about the links between natural resources, climate change and community sustainability; and iv) sponsoring the “Freebee” transportation service in Key Biscayne, FL, which reduces carbon emissions in that geography.


SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
We and the Bank are extensively regulated under U.S. Federal and state laws applicable to financial institutions. Our and the Bank’s supervision, regulation and examination are primarily intended to protect depositors and customers, the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) of the FDIC, and the stability of the U.S. financial system and are not intended to protect our shareholders.shareholders or debt holders. Any change in applicable law or regulation may have a material effect on our business. The following discussionis a brief summary that does not intend to be a complete description of all regulations that affect the Company and the Bank and this summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provisions referred to below.

Bank Holding Company and Bank Regulation

The Company is a bank holding company, subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act or “BHC Act.”(“BHC Act”). Bank holding companies generally are limited to the business of banking, managing or controlling banks, and certain related activities. We are required to file periodic reports and other information with the Federal Reserve, which examines us and our non-bank subsidiaries.
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Bank holding companies that meet certain criteria may elect to become “Financial Holding Companies.” Financial Holding Companies and their subsidiaries are permitted to acquire or engage in activities such as insurance underwriting, securities underwriting, travel agency activities, broad insurance agency activities, merchant banking and other activities that the Federal Reserve determines to be financial in nature or complementary thereto. Financial holding companies continue to be subject to Federal Reserve supervision, regulation and examination. The Company has not elected to become a financial holding company, but it may elect to do so in the future. Bank holding companies that have not elected such treatment generally must limit their activities to banking activities and activities that are closely related to banking.

The Bank is a national bank subject to regulation and regular examinations by the OCC and is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. OCC regulations govern permissible activities, capital requirements, branching, dividend limitations, investments, loans and other matters.

The Bank is a member of the FDIC’s DIF, and its deposits are insured by the FDIC up to the fullest extent permitted by law. Asapplicable limits, and, as a result, it is subject to regulation and deposit insurance assessments by the FDIC. See “FDIC Insurance Assessments”. The FDIC also has backup examination authority and certain enforcement powers over the Bank.

Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the Bank also is subject to regulations issued by the CFPB,Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), with respect to consumer financial services and products, but is not subject to direct CFPB supervision or examination because the Bank has less than $10 billion in assets. If the Bank reports assets over $10 billion for four consecutive quarters, it would meet the FDIC’s definition of assets. See “-FDIC Insurance Assessments”.a “large financial institution” and would be subject to direct supervision by the CFPB for compliance with a variety of consumer compliance laws, and for assessment of the effectiveness of the Bank’s compliance management system. As we are approaching the $10 billion in assets threshold, in the fourth quarter of 2023 we engaged a consulting firm to perform an assessment of our compliance management system and our risk management program to gauge our preparedness to meet the additional regulatory requirements and CFBP supervision that would be applicable to us after surpassing the threshold. The assessment yielded several observations with recommended actions that have been classified and prioritized based on ratings and will be implemented through action plans beginning in 2024.

The Bank maintains loan production offices, or “LPOs,” in New York City and Dallas, Texas. LPOs may only engage in certain functions on behalfSource of the Bank, such as soliciting loans (including assembling credit information, property inspections and appraisals, securing title information, preparing loan applications, loan servicing), and acting as a liaison with customers of the Bank. Loans and credit extensions cannot be approved by an LPO. Our LPO offices also solicit deposits, provide information about deposit products, and assist customers in completing deposit account opening documents. The LPOs are not “branches” under applicable OCC regulations and cannot engage in general banking transactions, deposit taking and withdrawals, or lending money. The LPOs are subject to supervision and examination by the OCC.Strength

ChangesFederal Reserve policy and federal law, require a bank holding company, such as the Company, to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to its FDIC-insured Bank subsidiary, and to commit resources to support its subsidiary, particularly when such subsidiary is in financial distress. In furtherance of this policy, the Federal Reserve may require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or relinquish control of a non-bank subsidiary (other than a non-bank subsidiary of a bank) upon the Federal Reserve’s determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness or stability of any subsidiary depository institution. Further, federal bank regulatory authorities have additional discretion to require a financial holding company to divest itself of any bank or non-bank subsidiary if the agency determines that divestiture may aid the depository institution’s financial condition.
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Change in Control

Federal law limits the amount of voting stock of a bank holding company or a bank that a person may acquire without the prior approval of banking regulators. Under the Change in Bank Control Act (“CBC Act”), and the regulations thereunder, before acquiring control of any bank holding company or any national bank a person or group must give advance notice to the Federal Reserve and the OCC. Upon receipt of such notice, the regulatory agencies may or may not approve the acquisition. The CBC Act creates a rebuttable presumption of control if a person or group acquires the power to vote 10% or more of our outstanding voting common stock. These federal laws and regulations generally make it more difficult to acquire a bank holding company or a bank by tender offer or similar means than it might be to acquire control of another type of corporation. As a result, our shareholders may be less likely to benefit from the rapid increases in stock prices that may result from tender offers or similar efforts to acquire control of other companies. Investors should be aware of these requirements when acquiring our shares of common stock.


Acquisitions

The BHC Act requires prior Federal Reserve approval for, among other things, the acquisition by a bank holding company of direct or indirect ownership or “control” of more than 5% of the voting shares or substantially all the assets of any bank, or for a merger or consolidation of a bank holding company with another bank holding company. The BHC Act permits acquisitions of banks by bank holding companies, subject to various restrictions, including that the acquirer is “well capitalized” and “well managed”. With certain exceptions, the BHC Act prohibits a bank holding company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or “control” of voting shares of any company that is not a bank or bank holding company and from engaging directly or indirectly in any activity other than banking or managing or controlling banks or performing services for its authorized subsidiaries. However, a bank holding company may engage in or acquire an interest in a company that engages in activities that the Federal Reserve has determined to be so closely related to banking, or managing or controlling banks, as to be a proper incident thereto.
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banks.

The BHC Act permits acquisitions of banks by bank holding companies, subject to various restrictions, including that the acquirer is “well capitalized” and “well managed”. A national bank located in Florida, with the prior approval of the OCC, may acquire and operate one or more banks in other states. In addition, national banks located in Florida may enter into a merger transaction with one or more out-of-state banks, and an out-of-state bank resulting from such transaction may continue to operate the acquired branches in Florida. Under the Bank Merger Act, prior OCC approval is required for a national bank to merge or consolidate with, or purchase the assets or assume the deposits of, another bank. In reviewing applications to approve mergers and other acquisition transactions, the OCC is required to consider factors similar to the Federal Reserve under the BHC Act, including the applicant’s financial and managerial resources, competitive effects and public benefits of the transaction, the applicant’s performance in meeting community needs, and the effectiveness of the entities in combating money laundering activities. The Dodd-Frank Act permits banks, including national banks, to branch anywhere in the United States.

Governance and Financial Reporting Obligations

We are required to comply with various corporate governance and financial reporting requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX Act”), as well as rules and regulations adopted by the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), and the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). In particular, in order to comply with Section 404 of the SOX Act, we are required to include management’s report on internal controls as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as our independent registered public accounting firm’s report on internal controls. The assessments of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 are included in this report under “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.”
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Shareholder Say-On-Pay Votes

Under the Dodd-Frank Act public companies are required to provide shareholders with an advisory vote on executive compensation (known as say-on-pay votes), the frequency of a say-on-pay vote, and the golden parachutes available to executives in connection with change-in-control transactions. Public companies must give shareholders the opportunity to vote on say-on-pay proposals at least every three years and the opportunity to vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes at least every six years, indicating whether the say-on-pay vote should be held annually, biennially, or triennially. Prior to 2022 as an EGC, the Company was not required to comply with these provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. Beginning in 2022, after the Company exited its EGC status, the Company began complying with these provisions.

Volcker Rule

The “Volcker Rule” issued under the Dodd-Frank Act, which became effective in July 2015, generally prohibits banking organizations with over $10 billion in assets from (i) engaging in certain types of proprietary trading, and (ii) acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in or sponsoring a “covered fund,” all subject to certain exceptions. The Volcker Rule also details certain limited activities in which bank holding companies and their subsidiaries may continue to engage and requires banking organizations to implement compliance programs. In 2020, amendments to the proprietary trading and covered funds regulations took effect, simplifying compliance and providing additional exclusions and exemptions. We and the Bank were not subject to the Volcker Rule in 2023, but may become so in the future.

Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders

Pursuant to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, and Federal Reserve Regulation W thereunder, the Bank is subject to restrictions that limit certain types of transactions between the Bank and its non-bank affiliates. In general, U.S. banks are subject to quantitative and qualitative limits on extensions of credit, purchases of assets and certain other transactions involving its non-bank affiliates. Additionally, transactions between U.S. banks and their non-bank affiliates are required to be on arm’s length terms and must be consistent with standards of safety and soundness.

Source of StrengthReserves

The Federal Reserve policyrequires all depository institutions, such as the Bank, to maintain reserves against transaction accounts (primarily noninterest-bearing and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act, require a bank holding company to act as a sourceNegotiable Orders of financial strength to its FDIC-insured bank subsidiaries and to commit resources to support these subsidiaries. In furtherance of this policy,Withdrawal, or NOW, checking accounts). Effective March 26, 2020, the Federal Reserve may require a bank holding companyreduced reserve requirement ratios to terminate any activity or relinquish control of a non-bank subsidiary (other than a non-bank subsidiary of a bank) uponzero percent, effectively eliminating reserve requirements for all depository institutions. These reserve requirements are subject to annual adjustment by the Federal Reserve’s determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness or stability of any subsidiary depository institution. Further, federal bank regulatory authorities have additional discretion to require a financial holding company to divest itself of any bank or non-bank subsidiary if the agency determines that divestiture may aid the depository institution’s financial condition.Reserve.

Safe and Sound Banking Practices

Bank holding companies and their non-banking subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in activities that represent unsafe and unsound banking practices or that constitute a violation of law or regulations. Under certain conditions the Federal Reserve may conclude that certain actions of a bank holding company, such as a payment of a cash dividend, would constitute an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The Federal Reserve also has the authority to regulate the debt of bank holding companies, including the authority to impose interest rate ceilings and reserve requirements on such debt. Under certain circumstances, the Federal Reserve may require a bank holding company to file written notice and obtain its approval prior to purchasing or redeeming its equity securities.

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Privacy and Data Security

A variety of federal and state privacy laws govern the collection, safeguarding, sharing and use of customer information, and require that financial institutions have policies regarding information privacy and security. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act or the “GLB Act,”(“GLB Act”), and related regulations require banks and their affiliated companies to adopt and disclose privacy policies, including policies regarding the sharing of personal information with third-parties. Some state laws also protect the privacy of information of state residents and require adequate security of such data, and certain state laws may, in some circumstances, require us to notify affected individuals of security breaches of computer databases that contain their personal information. These laws may also require us to notify law enforcement, regulators or consumer reporting agencies in the event of a data breach, as well as businesses and governmental agencies that own data. See Section 1C. Cybersecurity for information on how we address and manage cybersecurity risks.

Reserves

The Federal Reserve requires all depository institutions to maintain reserves against transaction accounts (noninterest-bearing and NOW checking accounts). The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve may be used to satisfy liquidity requirements. An institution may borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank “discount window” as a secondary source of funds, provided that the institution meets the Federal Reserve Bank’s credit standards.

Community Reinvestment Act and Consumer Laws

The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) and its corresponding regulations are intended to encourage banks to help meet the credit needs of the communities they serve, including low and moderate income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound banking practices. These regulations provide for regulatory assessment of a bank’s record in meeting the credit needs of its market area. Federal banking agencies are required to publicly disclose each bank’s rating under the CRA. The OCC considers a bank’s CRA rating when the bank submits an application to establish bank branches, merge with another bank, or acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of another bank. In the case of a bank holding company or financial holding company, the Federal Reserve reviews the CRA performance record of all banks involved in a merger or acquisition in connection with the application to acquire ownership or control of shares or assets of a bank or to merge with another bank or bank holding company. An unsatisfactory record can substantially delay or block the transaction. The Bank has received an “outstanding” rating since 2000, including its most recent CRA evaluation completed in June 2020.2022.

On October 24, 2023, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and the OCC issued a final rule amending the agencies’ CRA regulations. In developing the final rule, the agencies’ objectives included updating the CRA regulations to strengthen the achievement of the core purpose of the statute, and adapting to changes in the banking industry, including the expanded role of mobile and online banking. Most of the final rule’s new requirements are applicable beginning January 1, 2026. The remaining new requirements, including data reporting requirements, are applicable on January 1, 2027. We continue to evaluate the impact of any CRA changes and their impact to our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity, which cannot be predicted at this time.

The Bank is also subject to, among other things, other federal and state consumer laws and regulations that are designed to protect consumers in transactions with banks. While the list set forth below is not exhaustive, these laws and regulations include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, (“ECOA”),the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Fair HousingCredit Reporting Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds AvailabilityFair Housing Act, the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, the Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act, and, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act,as applicable, their implementing regulations (i.e., Regulations B, C, E, V, X, Z, CC, and DD among others. These laws and regulations mandate certain disclosure requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must deal with clients when taking deposits, or making loans to such clients.processing checks or certain electronic payments, and collecting consumer debts. The Bank must comply with the applicable provisions of these consumer protection laws and regulations as part of its ongoing client relations.

The CFPB has the authority previously exercised by the federal bank regulators,over many consumer financial protection laws, and is authorized to adopt regulations and enforce these federal consumer laws.with respect to the same. Although the CFPB does not examine or supervise banks with less than $10 billion in assets, it exercises broad authority in making rules and providing guidance that affects bank regulation in these areas and the scope of bank regulators’ consumer regulation, examination and enforcement. Banks of all sizes are affected by the CFPB’s regulations, and the precedents set by CFPB enforcement actions and interpretations. The CFPB has focused on various practices to date, including revising mortgage lending rules, overdrafts, credit card add-on products, indirect automobile lending, student lending, and payday and similar short-term lending, and
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has a broad mandate to regulate consumer financial products and services, whether or not offered by banks or their affiliates.

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Standards for Safety and Soundness

The Federal Deposit Insurance Act requires the federal bank regulatory agencies to prescribe, by regulation or guideline, operational and managerial standards for all insured depository institutions relating to: (1) internal controls; (2) information systems and audit systems; (3) loan documentation; (4) credit underwriting; (5) interest rate risk exposure; and (6) asset quality. The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations and Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness to implement these required standards. These guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards used to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. Under the regulations, if a regulator determines that a bank fails to meet any standards prescribed by the guidelines, the regulator may require the bank to submit an acceptable plan to achieve compliance, consistent with deadlines for the submission and review of such safety and soundness compliance plans.

Anti-money Laundering

The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA Patriot Act”), provides the federal government with additional powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. By way of amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act or “BSA,”(“BSA”), the USA Patriot Act puts in place measures intended to encourage information sharing among bank regulatory and law enforcement agencies. In addition, certain provisions of the USA Patriot Act impose affirmative obligations on a broad range of financial institutions.

The USA Patriot andAct, the BSA Acts and the related federal regulations require banks to establish anti-money laundering programs that include policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to verify the identity of their customers and of beneficial owners of their legal entity customers.

The Anti-Money Laundering Act ("AMLA"), which amends the BSA, was enacted in early 2021. The AMLA is intended to be a comprehensive reform and modernization of U.S. bank secrecy and anti-money laundering laws. In particular, it codifies a risk-based approach to anti-money laundering compliance for financial institutions, requires the U.S. Department of the Treasury to promulgate priorities for anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism policy, requires the development of standards for testing technology and internal processes for BSA compliance, expands enforcement- and investigation-related authority (including increasing available sanctions for certain BSA violations), and expands BSA whistleblower incentives and protections.

Many AMLA provisions will require additional rulemakings, reports and other measures, and the impact of the AMLA will depend on, among other things, rulemaking and implementation guidance. In June 2021, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, issued the priorities for anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism policy required under the AMLA. The priorities include corruption, cybercrime, terrorist financing, fraud, transnational crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and proliferation financing.

In addition, South Florida has been designated as a “HighHigh Intensity Financial Crime Area” or HIFCA, (“HIFCA”), by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”)FinCEN and a “HighHigh Intensity Drug Trafficking Area” or HIDTA, (“HIDTA”), by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The HIFCA program is intended to concentrate law enforcement efforts to combat money laundering efforts in higher-risk areas. The HIDTA designation makes it possible for local agencies to benefit from ongoing HIDTA-coordinated program initiatives that are working to reduce drug use.

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There is also increased scrutiny of compliance with the sanctions programs and rules administered and enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) of the U.S. Department of Treasury, or “OFAC.”Treasury. OFAC administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries and regimes, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and other threats to the national security, foreign policy or economy of the United States, based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals. OFAC issues regulations that restrict transactions by U.S. persons or entities (including banks), located in the U.S. or abroad, with certain foreign countries, their nationals or “specially designated nationals.” OFAC regularly publishes listings of foreign countries and designated nationals that are prohibited from conducting business with any U.S. entity or individual. While OFAC is responsible for promulgating, developing and administering these controls and sanctions, all of the bank regulatory agencies are responsible for ensuring that financial institutions comply with these regulations.

Lending Practices

Federal bank regulatory guidance titled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” (the “CRE Guidance”) requires that appropriate processes be in place to identify, monitor and control risks associated with real estate lending concentrations. This could include enhanced strategic planning, CRE underwriting policies, risk management, internal controls, portfolio stress testing and risk exposure limits as well as appropriately designed compensation and incentive programs. Higher allowances for loan losses and capital levels may also be required. The CRE Guidance provides the following criteria regulatory agencies will use as indicators to identify institutions that may be exposed to CRE concentration risk: (i) experienced rapid growth in CRE lending; (ii) notable exposure to a specific type of CRE; (iii) Total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land of 100% or more of a bank’s total risk-based capital; or (iv) Total commercial real estate, which includes loans secured by multifamily and nonfarm nonresidential properties and loans for construction, land development, and other land are 300% or more of a bank’s total risk-based capital and the outstanding balance of the institutions CRE portfolio has increased by 50% or more during the prior 36 months. We have always had significant exposures to loans secured by CRE due to the nature of our markets. We believe our long term experience in CRE lending, underwriting policies, internal controls, and other policies currently in place, as well as our loan and credit monitoring and administration procedures, are generally appropriate to manage our concentrations as required under the guidance.

Federal law limits a bank's authority to extend credit to directors and executive officers of the bank or its affiliates and persons or companies that own, control or have power to vote more than 10% of any class of securities of a bank or an affiliate of a bank, as well as to entities controlled by such persons. Among other things, extensions of credit to insiders are required to be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons. Also, the terms of such extensions of credit may not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features and may not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of the bank's capital.

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Debit Interchange Fees

Interchange fees are fees that merchants pay to card companies and card-issuing banks such as the Bank for processing electronic payment transactions on their behalf. The “Durbin Amendment” in the Dodd-Frank Act provides limits on the amount of debit card interchange that may be received or charged by the debit card issuer, for insured depository institutions with $10 billion or more in assets (inclusive of affiliates) as of the end of the calendar year. Subject to certain exemptions and potential adjustments, the Durbin Amendment limits debit card interchange received or charged by the issuer to $0.21 plus 5 basis points multiplied by the value of the transaction. Upon crossing the $10 billion asset threshold in a calendar year, the rules require compliance with these limits by no later than July 1 of the following year. The Bank did not exceed the $10 billion asset threshold in 2023, but may exceed this threshold in 2024. If so, the Company's compliance with the provisions of the Durbin amendment would be required no later than July 1, 2025, and we do not expect the limits to debit card interchange to materially reduce the Company's revenue.

Payment of Dividends and Repurchases
We and the Bank are subject to various general regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain capital above regulatory minimums. The Federal Reserve and the OCC are authorized to determine when the payment of dividends by the Company and the Bank, respectively, would be an unsafe or unsound practice, and may prohibit such dividends. The Federal Reserve hasand the OCC have indicated that paying dividends that deplete a bank holding company’sbank’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The Federal Reserve hasand the OCC have each indicated that depository institutions and their holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current year’s operating earnings.

In 2019,A bank holding company must give the Federal Reserve prior notice of any purchase or redemption of its equity securities if the consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the consideration for all such purchases or redemptions in the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of its consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would be an unsafe or unsound practice or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve order, or condition imposed in writing by the Federal Reserve. This notification requirement does not apply to a bank holding company that qualifies as well-capitalized, received a composite rating and a rating for management of “1” or “2” in its last examination and is not subject to any unresolved supervisory issue.

The Basel III Capital Rules, were fully phased-in andwhich we discuss below, further limit our permissible dividends, stock repurchases and discretionary bonuses, including those of the Bank, unless we and the Bank continue to meet the fully phased-in capital conservation buffer requirement. The Company and the Bank exceeded the capital conservation requirement at year end 2020. 2023. See “Basel III Capital Rules.”

Requirements”.


Under Florida law, the Company may only pay dividends if, after giving effect to each dividend, the Company would be able to pay its debts as they become due and the Company’s total assets would exceed the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if the Company were to be dissolved at the time of each dividend, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders whose preferential rights are superior to those entitled to receive the dividend.

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Capital Requirements

We and the Bank are required under federal law to maintain certain minimum capital levels based on ratios of capital to assets and capital to risk-weighted assets. The required capital ratios are minimums, and the Federal Reserve and OCC may determine that a banking organization, based on its size, complexity or risk profile, must maintain a higher level of capital in order to operate in a safe and sound manner. Risks such as concentration of credit risks and the risk arising from non-traditional activities, as well as the institution’s exposure to a decline in the economic value of its capital due to changes in interest rates, and an institution’s ability to manage those risks are important factors that are to be taken into account by the federal banking agencies in assessing an institution’s overall capital adequacy. The following is a brief description of the relevant provisions of these capital rules and their potential impact on our and the Bank's capital levels. The relevant capital measures are the total risk-based capital ratio, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, common equity Tier 1 or “CET1” capital ratio, as well as, the leverage capital ratio.

The Federal Reserve has risk-based capital rules for bank holding companies and the OCC has similar rules for national banks. These rules required at year end 2020require a minimum ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets (including certain off-balance sheet activities, such as standby letters of credit) and capital conservation buffer of 10.50%. Tier 1 capital includes common equity and related retained earnings and a limited amount of qualifying preferred stock, less goodwill and certain core deposit intangibles. Voting common equity must be the predominant form of capital. Tier 2 capital consists of non-qualifying preferred stock, qualifying subordinated, perpetual, and/or mandatory convertible debt, term subordinated debt and intermediate term preferred stock, up to 45% of pre-tax unrealized holding gains on available for sale equity securities with readily determinable market values that are prudently valued, and a loan loss allowance up to 1.25% of its standardized total risk-weighted assets, excluding the allowance. The capital rules also define the risk-weights assigned to assets and off-balance sheet items to determine the risk-weighted asset components of the risk-based capital rules, including, for example, “high volatility” commercial real estate, past due assets, structured securities and equity holdings. We collectively refer to Tier 1 risk based capital and Tier 2 capital as Total risk-based capital.

In addition, the Federal Reserve has established minimum leverage ratio guidelines for bank holding companies, which provide for a minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted average quarterly assets (“leverage ratio”) equal to 4%. However, regulators expect bank holding companies and banks to operate with leverage ratios above the minimum. The guidelines also provide that institutions experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions will be expected to maintain strong capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels without significant reliance on intangible assets. The Federal Reserve has indicated that it will continue to consider a “tangible Tier 1 leverage ratio” (deducting all intangibles) in evaluating proposals for expansion or new activity. Higher capital may be required in individual cases and depending upon a bank holding company’s risk profile. All bank holding companies and banks are expected to hold capital commensurate with the level and nature of their risks, including the volume and severity of their problem loans. The level of Tier 1 capital to risk-adjusted assets is becoming more widely used by the bank regulators to measure capital adequacy. Neither the Federal Reserve nor the OCC has advised us of any specific minimum leverage ratio or tangible Tier 1 leverage ratio applicable to the Company or the Bank, respectively. Under Federal Reserve policies, bank holding companies are generally expected to operate with capital positions well above the minimum ratios. The Federal Reserve believes the risk-based ratios do not fully take into account the quality of capital and interest rate, liquidity, market and operational risks. Accordingly, supervisory assessments of capital adequacy may differ significantly from conclusions based solely on the level of an organization’s risk-based capital ratio.

Basel III Capital Rules

The Federal Reserve, the OCC and the other bank regulators adopted in June 2013 final capital rules, or the Basel III Capital Rules, for bank holding companies and banks implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s “Basel III: A Global Regulatory Framework for more Resilient Banks and Banking Systems.” These new U.S. capital rules were generally fully phased-in on January 1, 2019.

In order to avoid certain restrictions on permissible dividends, stock repurchases and discretionary bonuses, a minimum “capital conservation buffer” of CET1 capital of at least 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets, is required. The capital conservation buffer is calculated as the lowest of: (i) the banking organization’s CET1 capital ratio
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minus 4.5%; (ii) the banking organization’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio minus 6.0%; or (iii) the banking organization’s total risk-based capital ratio minus 8.0%.
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The capital elements and total capital under the Basel III Capital Rules are as follows:
Minimum CET14.50%
Capital Conservation Buffer2.50%
Total CET17.00%
Deductions from CET1100.00%
Minimum Tier 1 Capital6.00%
Minimum Tier 1 Capital plus conservation buffer
8.50%
Minimum Total Capital8.00%
Minimum Total Capital plus conservation buffer
10.50%
The Federal Reserve, the OCC, and the FDIC, published a final rule on July 22, 2019 (“the Capital Simplifications Final Rule”) that simplifies existing regulatory capital rules for non-advanced approaches institutions, such as the Company. Non-advanced approaches institutions were permitted to implement the Capital Simplifications Final Rule as of its revised effective date in the quarter beginning January 1, 2020, or wait until the quarter beginning April 1, 2020. As of the date of implementation, the required deductions from regulatory capital CET1 elements for mortgage servicing assets (“MSAs”) and temporary difference deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) are only required to the extent these assets exceed 25% of CET1 capital elements, less any adjustments and deductions (the “CET1 Deduction Threshold”). MSAs and temporary difference DTAs that are not deducted from capital are assigned a 250% risk weight. Investments in the capital instruments of unconsolidated financial institutions are deducted from capital when these exceed the 25% CET1 Deduction Threshold. Minority interests in up to 10% of the parent banking organization’s CET1, Tier capital and total capital, after deductions and adjustments are permitted to be included in capital effective October 1, 2019. Also, effective October 1, 2019, the final rule made various technical amendments, including reconciling a difference in the capital rules and the bank holding company rules that permits the redemption of bank holding company common stock without prior Federal Reserve approval under the capital rules. Such redemptions remain subject to other requirements, including the BHC Act and Federal Reserve Regulation Y. The Company adopted these simplified capital rules in the first quarter of 2020 and they had no material effect on the Company’s regulatory capital and ratios.

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published the last version of the Basel III accord in 2017, generally referred to as “Basel IV.” The Basel Committee stated that a key objective of the revisions incorporated into the framework is to reduce excessive variability of risk-weighted assets, which will be accomplished by enhancing the robustness and risk sensitivity of the standardized approaches for credit risk and operational risk. This will facilitate the comparability of banks’ capital ratios, constraining the use of internally modeled approaches, and complementing the risk-weighted capital ratio with a finalized leverage ratio and a revised and robust capital floor. Leadership of the Federal Reserve, OCC, and FDIC, who are tasked with implementing Basel IV, supported the revisions. Under the current U.S. capital rules, operational risk capital requirements and a capital floor apply only to advanced approaches institutions, and not to us. The impact of Basel IV on us will depend on the manner in which it is implemented by the federal bank regulators.

As of December 31, 2020,2023, the Company’s and the Bank's CET1 ratio was 12.65%were 9.79% and its10.73%, respectively. In addition, the Company’s and the Bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was 13.91%.as of December 31, 2023 were 12.12% and 11.95%, respectively. As a result, both the Company and the Bank isare currently classified as "well capitalized""well-capitalized" for purposes of the OCC's prompt corrective action regulations.

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Prompt Corrective Action Rules

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, or “FDICIA,” among other things, requires the federal bank regulatorsbanking agencies are required to take “prompt"prompt corrective action” regarding depositoryaction" with respect to financial institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. FDICIAThe law establishes five capital categories for this purpose: "well-capitalized," "adequately capitalized," "undercapitalized," "significantly undercapitalized" and "critically undercapitalized." To be considered "well-capitalized," an insured deposit institutions: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized”depository institution must maintain minimum capital ratios and “critically undercapitalized.” A depository institution’s capital category will depend upon how its capital levels compare to various relevant capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation. To qualify as a “well-capitalized” institution, a bank must have a leverage ratio of not less than 5%, a Tier 1 Common Equity ratio of not less than 6.5%, a Tier 1 Capital ratio of not less than 8%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of not less than 10%, and the bank must not be undersubject to any order or written directive from the appropriate regulatory agency to meet and maintain a specific capital level.
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level for any capital measure. To be well-capitalized, the Bank must maintain at least the following capital ratios:


10.0% Total capital to risk-weighted assets
Under the regulations, the applicable agency can treat an institution as if it were in the next lower category if the agency determines (after notice8.0% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted asset
6.5% CET1 to risk-weighted assets; and an opportunity for hearing) that the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition or is engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice. The degree of regulatory scrutiny of a financial institution will increase, and the permissible activities of the institution will decrease, as it moves downward through the capital categories.
5.0% leverage ratio.

Immediately upon becoming undercapitalized, a depositoryAn institution that fails to remain well-capitalized becomes subject to a series of restrictions that increase in severity as its capital condition weakens. Such restrictions may include a prohibition on capital distributions, restrictions on asset growth or restrictions on the provisionsability to receive regulatory approval of Section 38applications. The regulations apply only to banks and not to BHCs. However, the Federal Reserve is authorized to take appropriate action at the holding company level, based on the undercapitalized status of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act which: (i) restrict payment of capital distributions and management fees; (ii) require thatholding company's subsidiary banking institutions. In certain instances relating to an undercapitalized banking institution, the appropriate federal banking agency monitorBHC would be required to guarantee the conditionperformance of the institution and its efforts to restore its capital; (iii) require submission of aundercapitalized subsidiary's capital restoration plan; (iv) restrict the growth of the institution’s assets;plan and (v) require prior approval of certain expansion proposals. The appropriate federal banking agencycould be liable for an undercapitalized institution also may take any number of discretionary supervisory actions if the agency determines that any of these actions is necessarycivil money damages for failure to resolve the problems of the institution at the least possible long-term cost to the FDIC’s DIF.fulfill those guarantee commitments.

In 2019, the federal banking regulators published final rules implementing a simplified measure of capital adequacy for certain banking organizations that have less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets. Under the final rules, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, depository institutions and depository institution holding companies that have less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets andaddition, failure to meet other qualifying criteria, including a leverage ratio of greater than 9%, off-balance-sheet exposures of 25% or less of total consolidated assets and trading assets plus trading liabilities of 5% or less of total consolidated assets, are deemed “qualifying community banking organizations” and are eligible to opt into the “community bank leverage ratio framework.” A qualifying community banking organization that elects to use the community bank leverage ratio framework and that maintains a leverage ratio of greater than 9% is considered to have satisfied the generally applicable risk-based and leverage capital requirements undermay cause an institution to be directed to raise additional capital. Federal law further mandates that the Basel III Capital Rulesagencies adopt safety and if applicable, is consideredsoundness standards generally relating to have met the “well capitalized” ratio requirements for purposes of its primary federal regulator’s prompt correctiveoperations and management, asset quality and executive compensation, and authorizes administrative action rules, discussed above. The final rules include a two-quarter grace period during which a qualifying community banking organizationagainst an institution that temporarily fails to meet any of the qualifying criteria, including the greater-than-9% leveragesuch standards. Failure to meet capital ratio requirement, is generally still deemed “well capitalized” so long as theguidelines may subject a banking organization maintainsto a leverage capital ratio greater than 8%. A banking organization that fails to maintain a leverage capital ratio greater than 8% is not permitted to use the grace periodvariety of other enforcement remedies, including additional substantial restrictions on its operations and must comply with the generally applicable requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules and file the appropriate regulatory reports.

Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or “CARES Act,” the federal banking agencies authorities adopted a final rule, effective November 9, 2020, that (i) reduced the minimum community bank leverage ratio to be deemed “well capitalized” from 9% to 8% through calendar year 2020, (ii) set the ratio at 8.5% for calendar year 2021, (iii) sets the ratio back at 9% for 2022 and thereafter, and (ii) gave community banks two-quarter grace period to satisfy the ratio if the ratio falls outactivities, termination of compliance by no more than 1%. As of March 31, 2020, the Company determined to opt out of adopting the new “community bank leverage ratio” given that the perceived benefits provideddeposit insurance by the new regulation did not exceedFDIC and, under certain conditions, the potential costs considering the Company’s current and projected size and operations.

The prompt corrective action rules have been conformed by the Basel III Capital Rules, as discussed above. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis-Regulatory Capital Requirements for details on the Company’s and the Banks’ regulatory capital.”appointment of a conservator or receiver.

Enforcement Policies and Actions

The Federal Reserve and the OCC monitor compliance with laws and regulations. The CFPB monitors compliance with laws and regulations applicable to consumer financial products and services. Violations of laws and regulations, or other unsafe and unsound practices, may result in these agencies imposing fines, penalties and/or restitution, cease and desist orders, or taking other formal or informal enforcement actions. Under certain
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circumstances, these agencies may enforce similar remedies directly against officers, directors, employees and others participating in the affairs of a bank or bank holding company, including fines, penalties and the recovery, or claw-back, of compensation.

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FDIC Insurance Assessments

Deposits at U.S. domiciled banks are insured by the FDIC, subject to limits and conditions of applicable laws and regulations. Our deposit accounts are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund, or “DIF,”DIF generally up to a maximum of  $250,000 per separately insured depositor.depositor and for each account ownership category. In order to fund the DIF, all insured depository institutions are required to pay quarterly assessments to the FDIC that are based on an institutions assignment to one of four risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors. The FDIC has the discretion to adjust an institution’s risk rating and may terminate its insurance of deposits upon a finding that the institution engaged or is engaging in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC or written agreement entered into with the FDIC. The FDIC may also prohibit any FDIC-insured institution from engaging in any activity it determines to pose a serious risk to the DIF.

Lending PracticesLondon Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) Cessation and Replacement Rates

The federal bank regulators released guidanceCompany owns all of the common capital securities issued by five statutory trust subsidiaries (“the Trust Subsidiaries”), respectively. These Trust Subsidiaries were first formed by the Company for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities (“the Trust Preferred Securities”) and investing the proceeds in 2006 on “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending”junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company (the “CRE Guidance”“Debentures”). The CRE Guidance requires that appropriate processes be in place to identify, monitor and control risks associated with real estate lending concentrations. This could include enhanced strategic planning, CRE underwriting policies, risk management, internal controls, portfolio stress testing and risk exposure limits as well as appropriately designed compensation and incentive programs. Higher allowances for loan losses and capital levels may also be required.Debentures are guaranteed by the Company. The guidance provides the following criteria regulatory agencies will use as indicators to identify institutions that may be exposed to CRE concentration risk: (i) experienced rapid growth in CRE lending ; (ii) notable exposure to a specific type of CRE; (iii) Total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land of 100% or more of a bank’s total risk-based capital; or (iv) Total reported loans secured by multifamily and nonfarm nonresidential properties and loans for construction, land development, and other land are 300% or more of a bank’s total risk-based capitalTrust Preferred Securities and the outstanding balance ofDebentures issued by the institutions CRE portfolio has increased by 50% or more inCompany include calculations that are based on 3-month LIBOR. Under the prior 36 months. We have always had significant exposures to loans secured by CRE due toLIBOR Act, on the nature of our markets. We believe our long term experience in CRE lending, underwriting policies, internal controls, and other policies currently in place, as well as our loan and credit monitoring and administration procedures, are generally appropriate to manage our concentrations as required under the guidance.

first London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

We have contracts, including loan agreements, which are currently indexed to LIBOR. The use of LIBOR asbanking day after June 30, 2023 (the “LIBOR Replacement Date”), a reference rate in the banking industry is beginning to decline. In 2014, a committee of private-market derivative participants and their regulators, the Alternative Reference Rate Committee, or “ARRC,” was convenedbenchmark replacement recommend by the Federal Reserve to identify an alternative reference interest rate towill replace LIBOR. In June 2017, the ARRC announced the Secured Overnight Funding Rate, or “SOFR,”LIBOR in certain contracts, including those that contain no fallback provisions and other related aspects. Based on a broad measurereview of the costTrust Preferred Securities and the Debentures documents, these document do not provide a replacement rate for 3-month LIBOR or include other fallback provisions which would apply on the LIBOR Replacement Date. Based on the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority’s current statements, it does not appear that a synthetic LIBOR benchmark will be applicable to the Trust Preferred Securities and Debentures. The Company did not seek to amend the Trust Preferred Securities and Debentures documents to reflect any other LIBOR benchmark replacement. Accordingly, after the LIBOR Replacement Date, the 3-month CME term SOFR as adjusted by the relevant spread adjustment of borrowing cash overnight collateralized by Treasury securities,0.26161%, became the benchmark replacement for 3-month LIBOR in the Trust Preferred Securities and Debentures documents, and all applicable benchmark replacement conforming changes as its preferred alternative to LIBOR. In July 2017,specified in the Chief Executiveregulations became an integral part of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced its intention to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit ratesTrust Preferred Securities and Debenture documents.

Lender Net Worth Adjusted Requirements

Amerant Mortgage is currently an approved seller and servicer with Fannie Mae for the calculationpurpose of LIBORselling Fannie Mae eligible loan production and retaining the Mortgage Servicing Rights, or MSRs, of those same loans. As an approved Fannie Mae seller and servicer, Amerant Mortgage must meet certain net worth covenants outlined in Maintaining Seller/Servicer Eligibility section of the Fannie Mae Selling Guide, the “Selling Guide”.

Under the Selling Guide, Amerant Mortgage must meet a minimum net worth requirement of $2.5 million plus 0.25% of the outstanding unpaid principal balance of the portfolio of loans Amerant Mortgage is contractually obligated to service for Fannie Mae (the “Lender Adjusted Net Worth”). Failure to meet the administratorminimum net worth or net worth decline tolerance outlined above, may prompt the suspension of LIBOR after 2021. In April 2018, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York beganAmerant Mortgage as an approved seller and/or servicer, which would prevent Amerant Mortgage from taking down new commitments to publish SOFR rates on a daily basis. The International Swapsdeliver loans to Fannie Mae and Derivatives Association, Inc. provided guidance on fallback contract language relatedadding loans to derivative transactions in late 2019. In 2019, the Asset/Liability Management Committee appointed a team charged with the responsibility of monitoring developments related to the proposed alternative reference interest rates to replace LIBOR and guide the organization through the potential discontinuation of LIBOR. In 2020, the Company launched the LIBOR cessation project to identify and quantify LIBOR exposure in all product categories and lines of business, both on- and off-balance-sheet. In addition, the project team assessed all third-party-provided products,any portfolio that Amerant Mortgage services and systems for LIBOR exposure to ensure their readiness. The Company will also be embarking onFannie Mae.

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addressing amendments to legacy loans and derivative contracts that require updated LIBOR cessation fallback language.

Cybersecurity Regulations and Guidelines

The federal banking regulators regularly issue new guidance and standards, and update existing guidance and standards, regarding cybersecurity, which are intended to enhance cyber risk management by financial institutions. Financial institutions are expected to comply with such guidance and standards and to accordingly develop appropriate security controls and risk management processes. If we fail to observe this regulatory guidance or standards, we could be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including financial penalties.

Since May 2022, a rule adopted by the federal banking agencies requires banking organizations to notify their primary banking regulator within 36 hours of determining that a "computer-security incident" has materially disrupted or degraded, or is reasonably likely to materially disrupt or degrade, the banking organization's ability to carry out banking operations or deliver banking products and services to a material portion of its customer base, its businesses and operations that would result in material loss, or its operations that would impact the stability of the United States.

In December 2023, new SEC rules became effective that require public companies, among other things, to report material cybersecurity incidents in current reports on Form 8-K. The new rules also require reporting about a public company’s policies and procedures to identify and manage cybersecurity risks; as well as disclosure about the Board of Directors' oversight of cybersecurity risk; and management’s role and expertise in assessing and managing cybersecurity risk and implementing cybersecurity policies and procedures.

State regulators have also been increasingly active in implementing privacy and cybersecurity standards and regulations. Recently, several states have adopted regulations requiring certain financial institutions to implement cybersecurity programs and providing detailed requirements with respect to these programs, including data encryption requirements. Many states have also recently implemented or modified their data breach notification, information security and data privacy requirements. We expect this trend of state-level activity in those areas to continue and are continually monitoring developments where our customers are located.

Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks, including litigation and enforcement risks, are expected to be elevated for the foreseeable future due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats, as well as due to the expanding use of Internet banking, mobile banking and other technology-based products and services by us and our customers. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a further discussion of risks related to cybersecurity and Item 1c. Cybersecurity for further information on how we address and manage cybersecurity risks .

Future Legislative Developments

Future federalCongress may enact legislation from time to time that affects the regulation of the financial services industry, and state legislatures may enact legislation from time to time affecting the regulation of financial institutions chartered by or operating in their states. Federal and state legislation mayregulatory agencies also periodically propose and adopt changes to their regulations or change banking statutes and the environmentmanner in which existing regulations are applied. The substance or impact of pending or future legislation or regulation, or the application thereof, cannot be predicted, although any change could impact the regulatory structure under which we or our banking subsidiarycompetitors operate and we operatemay significantly increase costs, impede the efficiency of internal business processes, require an increase in substantialregulatory capital, require modifications to our business strategy, and unpredictable ways. At this time, it is difficultlimit our ability to anticipate the continued impact this expansive legislation willpursue business opportunities in an efficient manner. It could also affect our competitors differently than us, including in a manner that would make them more or less competitive. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to us or any of our affiliates could have a material, adverse effect on our business, our clients,financial condition and the financial industry generally. Changes resulting from further implementation of, changes to or repeal of the Dodd-Frank Act may impact the profitability of our business activities, require changes to certain of our business practices, impose upon us more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage requirements, or otherwise adversely affect our business. These changes may also require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes necessary to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with any new requirements may negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.

COVID-19 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020 to provide national emergency economic relief measures. Many of the CARES Act’s programs are dependent upon the direct involvement of U.S. financial institutions, such as the Company and the Bank, and have been implemented through rules and guidance adopted by federal departments and agencies, including the U.S. Department of Treasury, the Federal Reserve and other federal banking agencies, including those with direct supervisory jurisdiction over the Company and the Bank. Furthermore, as the on-going COVID-19 pandemic evolves, federal regulatory authorities continue to issue additional guidance with respect to the implementation, lifecycle, and eligibility requirements for the various CARES Act programs as well as industry-specific recovery procedures for COVID-19. In addition, it is likely that Congress will enact supplementary COVID-19 response legislation, including amendments to the CARES Act or new bills comparable in scope to the CARES Act. The Company continues to assess the impact of the CARES Act and other statues, regulations and supervisory guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paycheck Protection Program. The CARES Act amended the SBA’s loan program, in which the Bank participates, to create a guaranteed, unsecured loan program, the PPP, to fund operational costs of eligible businesses, organizations and self-employed persons during COVID-19. On June 5, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (the “Flexibility Act”) was enacted, which among other things, gave borrowers additional time and flexibility to use PPP loan proceeds, and made significant changes to the PPP to provide additional relief for small businesses. The Flexibility Act increased flexibility for small businesses that have been unable to rehire employees due to lack of employee availability, or have been unable to operate as normal due to COVID-19 related restrictions, extended the period that businesses have to use PPP funds to qualify for loan forgiveness to 24 weeks, up from 8 weeks under the original rules, and relaxed the requirements that loan recipients must adhere to in order to qualify for loan forgiveness. In addition, the Flexibility Act extended the payment deferral period for PPP loans until the date when the amount of loan forgiveness is determined and remitted to the lender. For PPP recipients who do not apply for forgiveness, the loan deferral period is 10 months after the applicable forgiveness period ends. On July 4, 2020, Congress enacted a new law to extend the deadline for applying for a PPP loan to August 8, 2020. The program was re-opened on January 11, 2021 with updated guidance outlining program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility. This round of the PPP will serve new borrowers, as well as allow certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a second draw PPP Loan and make a request to modify their first draw PPP loan. As a participating lender in the PPP, the Bank continues to monitor legislative, regulatory, and supervisory developments related thereto.operations.

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Troubled Debt Restructuring and Loan Modifications for Affected Borrowers. The CARES Act permitted banks to suspend requirements under GAAP for loan modifications to borrowers affected by COVID-19 that would otherwise be characterized as Troubled Debt Restructurings, or TDRs, and suspend any determination related thereto if (i) the loan modification was made between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of December 31, 2020 or 60 days after the end of the COVID-19 emergency declaration, and (ii) the applicable loan was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. The COVID-19 emergency declaration was reaffirmed on February 24, 2021 and will continue in effect beyond March 1, 2021. The federal banking agencies also issued guidance to encourage banks to make loan modifications for borrowers affected by COVID-19 and to assure banks that they would not be criticized by examiners for doing so. The Company applied this guidance to qualifying loan modifications. See Note 5 to the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,” which is included in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K for further information about the COVID-19-related loan modifications completed by the Company.

Main Street Lending Program. The CARES Act encouraged the Federal Reserve, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, to establish or implement various programs to help midsize businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities. On April 9, 2020, the Federal Reserve proposed the creation of the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”) to implement certain of these recommendations. The MSLP supports lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The MSLP operates through five facilities: the Main Street New Loan Facility, the Main Street Priority Loan Facility, the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility, the Nonprofit Organization New Loan Facility, and the Nonprofit Organization Expanded Loan Facility.

Available Information

We maintain a website at the address www.amerantbank.com. On our website, you can access, free of charge, our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, as well as proxy statements on Schedule 14A and amendments to thethese reports and materials. Materials are available online as soon as practicable after we file them with the SEC. Additionally, the SEC maintains a website at the address www.sec.gov that contains the information we file or furnish electronically with the SEC. The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference in, or considered part of, this Form 10-K.

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29


Supplementary Item, Information about our Executive Officers
Millar Wilson. Mr. Wilson, age 68, has served as ChiefThe Executive OfficerOfficers of the Company and the Bank since 2009 and as the Vice-Chairman of the Company and the Bank from 2013 through February 2021 and as a director since 1987. Mr. Wilson also served as an alternate director for the Former Parent from 2015 to 2017. Under his leadership, the Bank has grown from $6.0 to $8.0 billion in assets. Mr. Wilson served in various roles with the Former Parent for over 40 years, including as Executive Director of International Business of the Former Parent from 2013 until January 2018. Mr. Wilson served as a member of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Miami Branch from 2013 to 2018, as a member of the board of directors of Enterprise Florida, Inc. from 2009 to 2013, as chairman of the board of directors of the American Red Cross of Greater Miami and the Keys from 2001 to 2002 and as a director and treasurer of the Miami Dade College Foundation from 1999 to 2004. Mr. Wilson is a graduate of Bradford University, England and the Harvard Business School Management Development Program.
On January 14, 2021, Mr. Wilson, advised the Company’s Board of Directors that he will retire from his roles as Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank, effective as described below by the Transition Date. Thereafter, he will remain a director of the Company and a director of the Bank. Also, on January 14, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors appointed Gerald P. Plush, as the Company’s Executive-Vice Chairman effective as of February 15, 2021; andMarch 7, 2024, are as Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer effective the day following the filing of the Company’s 2020 Form 10-K with the SEC (the “Transition Date”). Mr. Plush has also been appointed as Executive Vice-Chairman of the Bank, effective on February 15, 2021 and as Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, effective as of the Transition Date. Mr. Plush’s employment with the Company and the Bank shall be effective as of February 15th, 2021. To facilitate the transition, Mr. Wilson has agreed to relinquish his title as Vice Chairman of the Board effective February 15th, 2021 but remain as Chief Executive Officer until the Transition Date. After the Transition Date, Mr. Wilson will remain as an Executive Advisor of the Company to assist with the transition of the Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer role until March 31, 2021.

follows:
Gerald P. Plush. MrMr. Plush (“Jerry”), age 62,65, serves as the Company’s Chairman, President, and CEO since June 8, 2022, having served previously as Vice-Chairman, President & CEO since July 1st, 2021, and previously as Vice-Chairman & CEO since March 20, 2021. Mr. Plush has served asbeen a director of the Company’s and the Bank’s Board of Directors since July and October 2019, respectively, and served as Executive Vice-Chairman sincefrom February 2021 until his appointment as Vice-Chairman & CEO in March 2021. Mr. Plush is a highly respected financial services industry professional with over 3035 years of senior executive leadership experience. From 2019 to February 2021, he was a partner at Patriot Financial Partners or Patriot,(“Patriot”), a private equity firm where he sourced new investment opportunities and represented Patriot on the boardBoard of directorsDirectors for multiple portfolio banks, specialty finance and fintech companies. In 2018, he served as CEO for Verdigris Holdings, Inc., leading this start up through the regulatory application, organization and initial funding processes. Mr. Plush’s other prominent leadership roles include his tenure with Santander US from 2014 to 2017, initially as CFO and Executive Committee member, and subsequently as Chief Administrative Officer. He served on the board of Santander Consumer from 2014 to 2016, and as a director for the FHLB of Pittsburgh from 2016 to 2017. Mr. Plush previously served as President, COO and Board Member for Webster Bank beginning in 2006 as EVP and Chief Financial Officer. HePrior to Webster, he spent 11 years with MBNA America, most recently as Senior Executive Vice President & Managing Director for corporate development and prior to that as CFO - North America.

Mr. Plush holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has been activeis a CPA and CMA (inactive), and currently serves on several local boards, including the board of directors of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, the Orange Bowl Committee, and the University of Miami Citizen’s Board.

Sharymar Calderón Yépez. Mrs. Calderón, age 36,was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in several well-known philanthropic organizations, most recentlyJune 2023. Calderón is responsible for Amerant’s financial management, including treasury, financial reporting and accounting, financial analysis, investor relations & sustainability, internal controls and corporate tax. She also chairs the Asset-Liability Committee. Prior to her appointment as CFO, Mrs. Calderón served as Senior Vice President, Head of Internal Audit at Amerant since June 2021, where she led the implementation and monitoring of the Company’s audit plan and risk assessments, including coordination with external auditors and the integration of SOX audits. She is a licensed CPA in both Florida and Puerto Rico. Prior to Amerant, Mrs. Calderón worked at Ocean Bank as SVP, Head of Payment Operations. Before that, she worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers for nine years, where she began her career as an Associate and rose to Senior Manager over the course of her tenure, gaining extensive experience in financial services, including banking, broker dealers and asset management.

Mrs. Calderón received a double Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Marketing from the University of Puerto Rico. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Florida and Puerto Rico, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), a member of the Puerto Rico State Society of CPAs and its Florida Chapter, and the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). Mrs. Calderón currently serves on the board of directors of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Pennsylvania.the Miami Zoo.

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Carlos Iafigliola. Mr. Iafigliola, age 44, has served as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank since May 2020. Mr. Iafigliola provides support and guidance to the Chief Executive Officer on the execution of the business strategy. He directly manages all finance areas, including treasury, accounting, budgeting, tax and reporting. He is also responsible for investor relations. Mr. Iafigliola has served in various roles with us since 2004 in the Treasury area, including Senior Vice President and Treasury Manager from 2015 through May 2020. In this capacity, he was responsible for balance sheet management and overall supervision of the Company’s treasury functions, including management of the investment portfolio, professional funding, and relationships with regulatory agencies and financial markets participants. Mr. Iafigliola earned a degree in Economics from Universidad Catolica Andres Bello in Caracas, Venezuela in 1998 and a Masters in Finance from Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración (IESA) in 2003.
Alfonso Figueredo. Mr. Figueredo, age 59, was appointed as the Co-President and Chief Operating Officer in February 2018 and became President and Chief Operating Officer in March 2020. Mr. Figueredo is responsible for all the day-to-day business operations and administration activities, including operations & technology, digital transformation, and data management. Mr. Figueredo served in various roles with the Former Parent from 1988 to 2018, including as Executive Vice-President of Operations & Administration from 2015 to 2018 and Chief Financial Officer from 2008 to 2015. Previously, he held various management positions in finance from 1988 to 2008, including as Corporate Controller. Prior to joining the Former Parent, he worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers (“PwC’) in Caracas, Venezuela from 1981 to 1988. Mr. Figueredo served as President of the Bank Controllers Committee of the Venezuela Banking Association (ABV) from 2000 to 2005 and as a member of the Venezuelan-German Chamber of Commerce from 2012 to 2015. He received a degree in accounting and his MBA from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, Venezuela.
Miguel Palacios. Mr. Palacios, age 52, was appointed as the Executive Vice-President and Chief Business Officer in February 2018. Mr. Palacios is responsible for implementing our business strategies, managing the business units, and establishing performance and production targets to achieve our financial objectives. Mr. Palacios is responsible for products & channels. He has held various roles since joining the Bank in 2005, including as Executive Vice-President and Domestic Personal and Commercial Manager from 2012 to 2018, Special Assets Manager from 2009 to 2012 and Corporate International-LATAM Manager from 2005 to 2009. Mr. Palacios also served in various roles with the Former Parent from 1992 to 2004. Mr. Palacios graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Universidad Jose Maria Vargas in Caracas, Venezuela.
Alberto Capriles. Mr. Capriles, age 53, was appointed56, serves as Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Risk Officer since January 2023, having previously served as Executive Vice-President inand Chief Risk Officer since February 2018 and has beenpreviously as the Company’s Chief Risk Officer since 2016. Mr. Capriles is responsible for all enterprise risk management oversight, including credit, market, operational and information security risk, BSA/AML and consumer compliance.compliance, as well as information technology. Mr. Capriles served in various roles with the Former Parentformer parent of the Bank, Mercantil Servicios Financieros, or MSF since 1995, including as Corporate Treasurer from 2008 to 2015, head of Corporate Market Risk Management from 1999 to 2008, and as Corporate Risk Specialist from 1995 to 1999, where he led the project to implement the Former Parent’sMSF’s enterprise risk management model. Prior to joining the Former Parent,MSF, Mr. Capriles served as a foreign exchange trader with the Banco Central de Venezuela (Venezuelan Central Bank) from 1989 to 1991. Mr. Capriles has also served as a Professor in the Economics Department at Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, Venezuela from 1996 to 2008.
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Mr. Capriles graduated with a degree in Economics from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, Venezuela and earned a master’s degree in International Development Economics from Yale University, and a MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Juan Esterripa. Mr. Esterripa, age 50, serves as Senior Executive Vice-President and Head of Commercial Banking since April 2023. He is a seasoned banking professional with significant experience in corporate and commercial banking. In his role, Esterripa oversees multiple business sectors, including commercial banking, commercial real estate, syndication, specialty finance, and treasury management. Before joining the Company, Mr. Esterripa served as EVP, Wholesale Banking Executive at City National Bank - Florida since 2016. From 2013 to 2017, he was SVP, Corporate & Commercial Banking Manager at BankUnited, NA. He served as Executive Vice President at Stonegate Bank from 2012 to 2013 and as Senior Vice President at Capital Bank since 2010 prior to that. From 2009 to 2010, Esterripa was SVP, Chief Lending Officer at Pacific National Bank, and from 2006 to 2009, he served as SVP, Head of Middle Market Division at Mercantil Commercebank, NA. Mr. Esterripa is a graduate of the Harvard Business School executive management program.
Carlos Iafigliola. Mr. Iafigliola, age 47, was appointed Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer (COO) in June 2023. He is responsible for Amerant’s loan and deposit operations, project management, technology services, procurement, facilities, strategy and digital. Mr. Iafigliola chairs the Board of Amerant Investments and is member of the Board of Amerant Mortgage. He serves as Board member for Habitat for Humanity Broward and is a member of the Investment Committee of United Way Miami. Prior to his appointment as COO, Mr. Iafigliola served as EVP, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since May 2020 spearheading Amerant’s financial management, including treasury, financial reporting and accounting, financial analysis, investor relations & sustainability, internal controls and corporate tax. Mr. Iafigliola also served as SVP, Treasury Manager from 2015 to May 2020 and held various management positions in the Treasury area from 2004 to 2015. Prior to joining Amerant, he served in senior roles in Market Risk at Banco Mercantil, also known as Mercantil Servicios Financieros (MSF), from 2000 to 2004. He joined MSF in April 1998.

Mr. Iafigliola earned a degree in Economics from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, Venezuela in 1998 and a Masters in Finance from Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración (IESA) in 2003. He was also part of Miami Leadership Program cohort 2011.

Howard Levine. Mr. Levine, age 52, serves as Senior Executive Vice-President and Head of Consumer Banking since January 2023. He has served as Executive Vice-President and Head of Consumer Banking since joining the Bank in June 2022. Mr. Levine oversees the Private Client Group, Wealth Management, Small Business Banking, Retail Banking, and Amerant Mortgage. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Levine served as EVP and Chief Revenue Officer at Amerant Mortgage, of which he is a founding partner. He founded and joined Amerant Mortgage in November 2020 from City National Bank of Florida, or CNB, where he served as EVP and Executive Vice President for Private Banking, Private Wealth, and Residential Mortgage. Prior to joining CNB in 2017, Mr. Levine was EVP, Consumer & Residential Lending & Treasury Management at Sabadell United Bank, N.A.
Mr. Levine has more than 25 years of experience in real estate finance and has experience running mortgage businesses through independent mortgage companies as well as in community banks. Mr. Levine has a bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University in Long Island, NY.
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Mariola Sanchez.
On December 31, 2020, Jorge Trabanco,Mrs. Sanchez, age 51, serves as Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief AccountingPeople Officer retiredsince June 2022 and leads the Company’s approach to people and organizational culture. Previously, Mrs. Sanchez served as the Company and the Bank’s General Counsel since 2010. With an educational background in human behavior and law, in addition to 15 years working at the Bank, she brings a wealth of organizational knowledge and an informed perspective to her role. She and her leadership team are focused on learning and development, management practices, and diversity and inclusion. As General Counsel, Mrs. Sanchez advised the Company on a range of legal matters, including labor and employment. She has practiced law for over 25 years, primarily as in-house counsel for financial institutions. Prior to joining Amerant in 2007 as Associate General Counsel, she served as Associate General Counsel at Regions Bank (formerly Union Planters Bank).
Mrs. Sanchez earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Company. Consistent withUniversity of Miami and a Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University. In April 2021, she also graduated from the Company’s effort to streamline operationsYale School of Management’s ExecOnline’s Fostering Inclusion and better align its operating structure with its business activities,Diversity Program . Active in the Company has determined to eliminatecommunity, Mrs. Sanchez serves as a Director of the positionBoard of Voices for Children Foundation, Inc.
Armando Fleitas, age 47, serves as Executive Vice-President, Chief Accounting Officer and create a new Controller position, which is responsible for, among other matters,(“CAO”) since March 2023 overseeing the Company’sgeneral accounting and accounts payable; investment accounting and operations; mortgage banking finance and accounting; and financial reporting functions. On January 1, 2021, Armandoto the Federal Reserve Bank and other federal and state banking supervisory authorities, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Office of Comptroller of the Currency. Prior to being named CAO, Mr. Fleitas started servingserved as Senior Vice-President and Controller of the Company and in this capacity serves as the principal accounting officer of the Company.
Armandofrom January 1, 2021 until March 2023. Mr. Fleitas 44, joined Amerant in 2010, serving in various management positions in the financial reporting area, including most recently, prior to his current role, as Senior Vice-President and Financial Reporting Manager. In his prior and current role, he has been responsible for overseeing the preparation of consolidated and stand-alone statutory financial statements, the quarterly and annual reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-K of the Company filed with the SEC. Previously, he was also responsible for overseeing the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting function and the vendor management function.functions. Mr. Fleitas began his career in 1996 at PwC Venezuela, transitioning in 2003 to PwC in the US. At PwC, he held various roles in the areas of audit and accounting consulting services primarily serving customers in the financial services industry.
Mr. Fleitas earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1998 and a master’s degree in accounting from the Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA, in 2011. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States (NH-2005-active, NY-2010-inactive), and in Venezuela (2006). He holds a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation and is a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
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SUMMARY OF RISK FACTORS

Our business is subject to a number of risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-K or presented elsewhere from time to time. These risks are discussed more fully under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and include, but are not limited to the following:

Risks RelatedRisk related to Our Business
Our profitability is subject to interest rate risk.
We may be adversely affected by the transition of LIBOR as a reference rate.
Our concentration of CRE loans could result in increased loan losses,Funding and adversely affect our business, earnings and financial condition.
Many of our loans are to commercial borrowers, which have unique risks compared to other types of loans.
Our allowance for loan losses may prove inadequate or we may be negatively affected by credit risk exposures.
The collateral securing our loans may not be sufficient to protect us from a partial or complete loss if we are required to foreclose.Liquidity
Liquidity risks could affect our operations and jeopardize our financial condition and certain funding sources could increase our interest rate expense.
We may not be able to develop and maintain a strong core deposit base or other low-cost funding sources.
We may elect or be compelled to seek additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed or on acceptable terms.
Our ability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries could affect our liquidity and our ability to pay dividends.
Risk related to Credit and Interest Rate
Our profitability is subject to interest rate risk.
Our allowance for credit losses may prove inadequate.
Our concentration of CRE loans could result in increased loan losses.
Many of our loans are to commercial borrowers, which have unique risks compared to other types of loans.
Our valuation of securities and investments and the determination of the impairment amounts taken ona credit loss allowance in our investmentsinvestment securities portfolio are subjective and, if changed, could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
Nonperforming and similar assets take significant time to resolve and may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities.
Deterioration in the real estate markets, including the secondary market for residential mortgage loans, can adversely affect us.
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations
Many of our major systems depend on and are operated by third-party vendors, and any systems failures or interruptions could adversely affect our operations and the services we provide to our customers.
Our information systems are exposed to cybersecurity threats and may experience interruptions and security breaches that could adversely affect our business and reputation.
Our strategic plan and growth strategy may not be achieved as quickly or as fully as we seek.
NonperformingDefaults by or deteriorating asset quality of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.
New lines of business, new products and similar assets takeservices, or strategic project initiatives may subject us to additional risks.
We face significant timeoperational risks.
We may not have the ability or resources to resolve and maykeep pace with rapid technological changes in the financial services industry or implement new technology effectively.
Conditions in Venezuela could adversely affect our resultsoperations.
Our ability to achieve our environmental, social and governance goals are subject to risks, many of operationswhich are outside of our control, and financial condition.our reputation could be harmed if we fail to meet such goals.
We may be contractually obligatedunable to repurchase mortgage loans we soldattract and retain key people to third parties on terms unfavorable to us.support our business.
Mortgage Servicing Rights,Severe weather, natural disasters, global pandemics, acts of war or MSRs, requirements may changeterrorism, theft, civil unrest, government expropriation or other external events could have significant effects on our business.
Any failure to protect the confidentiality of customer information could adversely affect our reputation and requiresubject us to financial sanctions and other costs that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
We could be required to write down our goodwill or other intangible assets.
We have a net deferred tax asset that may or may not be fully realized.
We may incur additional costslosses due to minority investments in fintech and risks.specialty finance companies.
We are subject to risks associated with sub-leasing portions of our corporate headquarters building.
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Our success depends on our ability to compete effectively in highly competitive markets.
Defaults by or deteriorating asset quality of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.
We could be required to write down our goodwill and other intangible assets.
Our historical consolidated financial data are not necessarily representative of the results we would have achieved as a separate company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.
We may need to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed or on favorable terms.
Risks Related to Conditions in Venezuela
Conditions in Venezuela could adversely affect our operations.
Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken by governmental authorities to mitigate its spread has significantly impacted economic conditions, and a future outbreak of COVID-19 or another highly contagious disease, could adversely affect our business activities, results of operations and financial condition.
As a participating lender in the U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program, the Company and the Bank are subject to additional risks of litigation from the Bank’s customers or other parties regarding the Bank’s processing of loans for the PPP and risks that the SBA may not fund some or all PPP loan guaranties.
Risks Related to Risk Management, Internal Audit, Internal Controls and Disclosure Controls
Potential gaps in our risk management policies and internal audit procedures may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risk, which could negatively affect our business.
We may determine that our internal controls and disclosure controls could have deficiencies or weaknesses.
Risks Related to Technology and our Information Systems
Technological changes affect our business including potentially impacting the revenue stream of traditional products and services, and we may have fewer resources than many competitors to invest in technological improvements.
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Our information systems may experience interruptions and security breaches, and are exposed to cybersecurity threats.
Any failure to protectmaintain effective internal control over financial reporting could impair the confidentialityreliability of customer informationour financial statements, which in turn could adversely affectharm our reputationbusiness, impair investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and our access to the capital markets and cause the price of our common stock to decline and subject us to financial sanctions and other costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Acquisitions and Expansion Activities
Future acquisitions and expansion activities may disrupt our business, dilute shareholder value and adversely affect our operating results.
Risks Related to our Indebtedness
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt, including the Senior Notes.regulatory penalties.
We and Amerant Florida Bancorp Inc., the subsidiary guarantor, are each a holding company with limited operations and depend on our subsidiaries for the funds required to make payments of principal and interest on the Senior Notes.
We may incur a substantial level of debt thatChanges in accounting standards could materially adversely affectimpact our ability to generate sufficient cash to fulfill our obligations under the Senior Notes.financial statements.
Risks Related to External and Market Factors
Material and negative developments adversely impacting the financial services industry at large and causing volatility in financial markets and the economy may have materially adverse effects on our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business may be adversely affected by economic conditions in general and by conditions in the financial markets.
Risks Related to Regulatory and Legal Matters
We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities and adversely affect our earnings.
Changes in federal, state or local tax laws, or audits from tax authorities, could negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Litigation and regulatory investigations are increasingly common in our businesses and may result in significant financial losses and/or harm to our reputation.
We are subject to capital adequacy and liquidity standards, and if we fail to meet these standards, whether due to losses, growth opportunities or an inability to raise additional capital or otherwise, our business, financial condition, andresults of operations, or cash flows would be adversely affected.
We will be subjectIncreases in FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments could adversely affect our financial condition.
Federal banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of our business, including our compliance with laws and regulations, and our failure to heightenedcomply with any regulatory requirementsactions, if our total assets grow in excess of $10 billion.any, could adversely impact us.
The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank.
We may face higher risks of noncompliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations than other financial institutions.
Failures to comply with the fair lending laws, CFPB regulations or the Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, could adversely affect us.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
A limited market exists for the Company'sOur principal shareholders and management own a significant percentage of our shares of Class B common stock.
Holders of shares of Class Bvoting common stock have limited voting rights. As a result, holders of shares of Class B common stockand will have limited abilitybe able to influence shareholder decisions.
Certain of our existing shareholders could exert significant control over the Company.matters subject to shareholder approval.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the priceThe rights of our common stock and trading volume could decline.shareholders are subordinate to the holders of any debt securities that we have issued or may issue from time to time.
The stock price of financial institutions, like Amerant, may fluctuate significantly.
We have the ability tocan issue additional equity securities, which would lead to dilution of our issued and outstanding Company Shares.
Our dual classes of Company Shares may limit investments by investors using index-based strategies.
We do not currently intend to pay dividends on ourClass A common stock.
Certain provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, Florida law, and U.S. banking laws could have anti-takeover effects.
We are an “emerging growth company,” and, as a result of the reduced disclosure and governance requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, our common stock may be less attractive to investors.
General Risk Factors
We may be unable to attract and retain key people to support our business.
Severe weather, natural disasters, global pandemics, acts of war or terrorism, theft, civil unrest, government expropriation or other external events could have significant effects on our business.

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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
We are subject to risks and uncertainties that could potentially negatively impact our business, financial conditions, results of operations and cash flows. This section contains a description of the risk and uncertainties identified by management that could, individually or in combination, harm our business, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, as well as of our financial instruments and our securities. In evaluating us and our business and making or continuing an investment in our securities, you should carefully consider the risks described below as well as other information contained in this Form 10-K and any risk factors and uncertainties discussed in our other public filings with the SEC under the caption “Risk Factors”. We may face other risks that are not contained in this Form 10-K, including additional risk that are not presently known, or that we presently deem immaterial. This Form 10-K and the risks discussed below also include forward-looking statements, and our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section in this Form 10-K titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for additional information regarding forward-looking statements.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our profitability is subject to interest rate risk.
Our profitability depends to a large extent upon net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on assets, such as loans and investments, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Net interest income will be adversely affected by market interest rate changes where the interest we pay on deposits and borrowings increases faster than the interest earned on loans and investments. Since our balance sheet is asset sensitive, a decrease in interest rates or a flattening or inversion of the yield curve could adversely affect us. Changes in market interest rates are unpredictable as they are affected by many factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions (inflation, recession, unemployment), fiscal and monetary policy, and changes in the United States and other financial markets. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the financial markets and has prompted several actions by the Federal Reserve that have resulted in the decline of market interest rates to historical lows. This decline in interest rates could adversely affect our net interest income, margins and profitability, particularly if it is prolonged for a significant time period.
The production of mortgages and other loans and the value of collateral securing our loans, are dependent on interest rates as well as demand within the markets we serve. Increases in interest rates generally decrease the market values of fixed-rate, interest-bearing investments and loans held, the value of mortgage and other loans produced, including long term fixed-rate loans and the value of loans sold, mortgage loan activities and the collateral securing our loans, and therefore may adversely affect our liquidity and earnings, to the extent not offset by potential increases in our net interest margin, or NIM. In addition, in declining rate environments, we may experience a significant number of loan prepayments and replacement loans may be priced at a lower rate generating a decrease in our net interest income.
We may be adversely affected by the transition of LIBOR as a reference rate.
The anticipated cessation of LIBOR quotes after 2021 creates substantial risks to the banking industry, including us. A significant number of our loans, borrowings, derivative contracts and financial instruments are either directly or indirectly dependent on LIBOR and the transition from LIBOR could create considerable costs and additional risks. Unless alternative rates can be negotiated and determined, our floating rate loans, funding and derivative obligations that specify the use of a LIBOR index, will no longer adjust and may become fixed rate instruments at the time LIBOR ceases to exist. This would adversely affect our asset/liability management and could lead to more asset and liability mismatches and interest rate risk unless appropriate LIBOR alternatives are developed. The expected discontinuance of LIBOR may also affect interest rate hedges and result in certain of these becoming ineffective and ineligible for hedge accounting. It could also disrupt the capital and credit markets as a result of confusion or uncertainty.
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Several regulators, including the Federal Reserve, and other market participants in the U.S. and other countries have sponsored initiatives aimed at (a) transitioning to alternative reference rates and (b) addressing risks related to the language in legacy contracts given the possibility that LIBOR might cease being published. In spite of progress made by regulators and market participants to prepare for the discontinuation of LIBOR, uncertainties still remain; including whether replacement benchmark rates will become a market standard that replaces LIBOR, and if so, its effects on the terms of any transaction or financial instrument, our customers, or our future results of operations or financial condition.We are unable to predict what the impact of transition from LIBOR will be and if we fail to successfully manage the transition it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Our concentration of CRE loans could result in increased loan losses, and adversely affect our business, earnings, and financial condition.
CRE is cyclical and poses risks of possible loss due to concentration levels and risks of the assets being financed, which include loans for the acquisition and development of land and residential, multifamily, retail, office, industrial and hotel construction.
The Bank’s portfolio of CRE loans was 325.0% of its risk-based capital, or 48.6% of its total loans, as of December 31, 2020 compared to 353.3% of its risk-based capital, or 51.7% of its total loans, as of December 31, 2019. Our CRE loans included approximately $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion of fixed rate loans at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In a rising interest rate environment, fixed rate loans may adversely affect our margin and present asset/liability mismatches and risks since our liabilities are generally floating rate or have shorter maturities.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately 52% of total CRE loans were in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, Florida, 24% were in the greater New York City area, including all five boroughs, and 16% were in the greater Houston, Texas area. The remainder were in other Florida, Texas and New York/New Jersey markets. Our CRE loans are affected by economic conditions in those markets.
In addition, lower demand for CRE, and reduced availability of, and higher costs for, CRE lending could adversely affect our CRE loans and sales of our other real estate owned, or OREO, and therefore impact our earnings and financial condition, including our capital and liquidity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the economy and real estate markets. Although the housing and real estate markets have shown continued improvement since the outset of the pandemic, they remain at depressed levels in certain regions. If this positive trend were to revert and decline, we may experience higher than normal delinquencies and loan losses. In addition, if the United States economy returns to a recessionary state, management believes that it could significantly affect the economic conditions of the market areas we serve and we could experience significantly higher delinquencies and loan losses.
Many of our loans are to commercial borrowers, which have unique risks compared to other types of loans.

As of December 31, 2020, approximately $2.8 billion or 49% and $1.2 billion or 20% of our loan portfolio was comprised of CRE loans and commercial loans, respectively. Since payments on these loans are often dependent on the successful operation or development of the property or business involved, their repayment is sensitive to adverse conditions in the real estate market and the general economy. Consequently, downturns in the real estate market and economy increase the risk related to commercial loans, particularly CRE loans. In addition, loan specific risks may also affect commercial loans, including risks associated with construction, cost overruns, project completion risk, general contractor credit risk and risks associated with the ultimate sale or use of the completed construction. If a decline in economic conditions, natural disasters affecting business development or other issues cause difficulties for our borrowers of these types of loans, if we fail to assess the credit of these loans accurately when underwriting them or if we fail to adequately continue to monitor the performance of these loans, our loan portfolio could
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experience delinquencies, defaults and credit losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our allowance for loan losses may prove inadequate or we may be negatively affected by credit risk exposures.

We periodically review our allowance for loan losses for adequacy considering economic conditions and trends, collateral values and credit quality indicators, including past charge-off experience and levels of past due loans and nonperforming assets.We cannot be certain that our allowance for loan losses will be adequate over time to cover credit losses in our portfolio because of unanticipated adverse changes in the economy, market conditions or events adversely affecting specific customers, industries or markets, and changes in borrower behaviors.Differences between our actual experience and assumptions and the effectiveness of our models may adversely affect our business, financial condition, including liquidity and capital, and results of operations.In addition, bank regulators periodically perform reviews of our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase of our provision for loan losses or the recognition of further charge-offs, based on judgments that differ from those of management. As a result, we may elect, or be required, to make further increases in our provision for loan losses in the future, particularly if economic conditions remain challenging for a significant time period or deteriorate further.
In addition, in June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued an Accounting Standard Update, ASU, that changed the loss model to consider current expected credit losses, or CECL.As an EGC, CECL will be effective for our first fiscal quarter beginning after December 31, 2022. However, if we cease to be an EGC, CECL becomes effective for our first fiscal quarter after losing the EGC status. CECL will substantially change how we calculate our allowance for loan losses. We cannot predict when and how it will affect our results of operations and the volatility of such results and our financial condition, including our regulatory capital.
The collateral securing our loans may not be sufficient to protect us from a partial or complete loss if we are required to foreclose.

Some of our loans are secured by a lien on specified collateral of our customers. However, the collateral may not protect us from suffering a loss if we foreclose on the collateral. Several factors may negatively impact the value of the collateral that we have a security interest in, including: changes in general economic and industry conditions; changes in the real estate markets in which we lend; inherent uncertainties in the future value of the collateral; the financial condition and/or cash flows of the borrower and/or the project being financed; and, any representation by the borrower of, or failure to keep adequate records related to, important information concerning the collateral.
Any one or more of the preceding factors could materially impair our ability to collect on specified collateral of our customers in the event loans we have made to such customers are not repaid in accordance with their terms, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Liquidity risks could affect our operations and jeopardize our financial condition and certain funding sources could increase our interest rate expense.
Liquidity is essential to our business.An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, proceeds from loan repayments or sales, and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity.Our funding sources include federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, core (domestic and foreign) and non-core deposits (such as reciprocal deposit programs and brokered deposits), and short-and long-term debt, the Federal Reserve Discount Window (Discount Window) and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, or FHLB, advances.We maintain a portfolio of securities that can be used as a source of liquidity.Any significant restriction or disruption of our ability to obtain funding from these or other sources could have a negative effect on our ability to satisfy our current and future financial obligations, which could materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.
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The use of brokered deposits and wholesale funding not only increases our liquidity risk but could also increase our interest rate expense and potentially increase our deposit insurance costs. Our brokered deposits at December 31, 2020 were 11.1% of total deposits.Wholesale funding, which includes FHLB advances and brokered deposits, represented 24.8% of our total funding at December 31, 2020.At December 31, 2020, the Company had $530.0 million of FHLB advances with interest rates ranging from 0.62% to 0.97% which are callable prior to their maturity. This feature, if acted upon, could cause the cost of this funding to increase faster than anticipated. In addition, excessive reliance on brokered deposits and wholesale funding is viewed by the regulators as potentially risky for all institutions and may adversely affect our liquidity and the regulatory views of our liquidity.Institutions that are less than well-capitalized may be unable to raise or renew brokered deposits under the prompt corrective action rules.See “Supervision and Regulation—Capital.”
We may be able, depending upon market conditions, to otherwise borrow money or issue and sell debt and preferred or common securities in public or private transactions. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities on terms which are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or the economy in general. Our ability to borrow or obtain funding, if needed, could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as disruptions in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry. In addition, Alternative funding to deposits may carry higher costs than sources currently utilized. If we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive and potentially less stable funding sources, profitability and liquidity could be adversely affected. The availability of additional financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, our credit ratings and our credit capacity. If additional financing sources are unavailable or are not available on acceptable terms, our profitability and future prospects could be adversely affected.
The Company is an entity separate and distinct from the Bank. The Federal Reserve Act, Section 23A, limits our ability to borrow from the Bank, and the Company generally relies on dividends paid from the Bank for funds to meet its obligations, including under its outstanding trust preferred securities and senior debt securities. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends is limited by law and may be limited by regulatory action to preserve the Bank’s capital adequacy. Any such limitations could adversely affect the Company’s liquidity.
Our valuation of securities and investments and the determination of the impairment amounts taken on our investments are subjective and, if changed, could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
Fixed maturity securities, as well as short-term investments that are reported at estimated fair value, represent the majority of our total investments. We define fair value generally as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability. Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. During periods of market disruption, including periods of significantly rising or high interest rates, rapidly widening credit spreads or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain of our securities if trading becomes less frequent or market data becomes less observable and certain asset classes may become illiquid. In those cases, the valuation process includes inputs that are less observable and require more subjectivity and management judgment. Valuations may result in estimated fair values which vary significantly from the amount at which the investments may ultimately be sold. Further, rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially affect the valuation of securities in our financial statements and the period-to-period changes in estimated fair value could vary significantly. As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of the Company’s debt securities available for sale investment portfolio was approximately $1.2 billion and we had pretax accumulated unrealized gains on those securities of $37.3 million. Factors beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio and can cause potential adverse changes to the fair value of these securities. These factors include but are not limited to increases or decreases in interest rates, rating agency downgrades of the securities and defaults. Decreases in the estimated fair value of securities we hold may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
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The determination of the amount of impairments varies by investment type and is based upon our periodic evaluation and assessment of known and inherent risks associated with the respective asset class. Such evaluations and assessments are revised as conditions change and new information becomes available. We reflect any changes in impairments in earnings as such evaluations are revised. However, historical trends may not be indicative of future impairments. In addition, any such future impairments or allowances could have a materially adverse effect on our earnings and financial position. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”
Our strategic plan and growth strategy may not be achieved as quickly or as fully as we seek.
We have adopted and continue to implement and refine our strategic plan to simplify our business model and focus our activities as a community bank serving our domestic customers and select foreign depositors and wealth management customers. Our plan includes a focus on profitable growth, cross selling to gain a larger share of our respective customers' business, core deposit generation, loan growth in our local markets, changes in loan mix to higher margin loans, improving our customer experience, improving our business and operational processes, and achieving operating efficiencies and cost reductions.
The strategic plan's technology changes and systems conversions involve execution risk and other risks. Our plans may take longer than we anticipate to implement, and the results we achieve may not be as successful as we seek, all of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Many of these factors, including interest rates, are not within our control. Additionally, the results of our strategic plan are subject to the other risks described herein that affect our business, which include: lending, seeking deposits and wealth management clients in highly competitive domestic markets; our ability to achieve our growth plans or to manage our growth effectively; the benefits from our technology investments may take longer than expected to be realized and may not be as large as expected, or may require additional investments; and if we are unable to reduce our cost structure, we may not be able to meet our profitability objectives.
Nonperforming and similar assets take significant time to resolve and may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
At December 31, 2020 and 2019, our nonperforming loans totaled $87.7 million and $32.9 million, respectively, or 1.5% and 0.6% of total loans, respectively. In addition, we had OREO of $0.4 million and $42 thousand at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our non-performing assets may adversely affect our net income in various ways. We do not record interest income on nonaccrual loans or OREO, and these assets require higher loan administration and other costs, thereby adversely affecting our income. Decreases in the value of these assets, or the underlying collateral, or in the related borrowers’ performance or financial condition, whether or not due to economic and market conditions beyond our control, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the resolution of nonperforming assets requires commitments of time from management, which can be detrimental to their other responsibilities. There can be no assurance that we will not experience increases in nonperforming loans, OREO and similar nonperforming assets in the future.
We may be contractually obligated to repurchase mortgage loans we sold to third-parties on terms unfavorable to us.
As a routine part of our business, we originate mortgage loans that we subsequently sell in the secondary market under agreements that contain representations and warranties related to, among other things, the origination and characteristics of the mortgage loans. We do not currently originate mortgage loans for direct sale to any governmental agencies and government sponsored enterprises, or GSEs, such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, but expect to make such direct sales in the future. In connection with the sale of these loans to private investors and GSEs, we make customary representations and warranties, the breach of which may result in our being required to repurchase the loan or loans. Furthermore, the amount paid may be greater than the fair value of the loan or loans at the time of the repurchase. No mortgage loan repurchase requests have been made to us; however, if repurchase
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requests were made to us, we may have to establish reserves for possible repurchases, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Mortgage Servicing Rights, or MSRs, requirements may change and require us to incur additional costs and risks.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, adopted new residential mortgage servicing standards in January 2014 that add additional servicing requirements, increase our required servicer activities and delay foreclosures, among other things. These may adversely affect our costs to service residential mortgage loans, and together with the Basel III Capital Rules, may decrease the returns on MSRs. Declines in interest rates tend to reduce the value of MSRs as refinancing may reduce serviced mortgages.
The CFPB and the bank regulators continue to bring enforcement actions and develop proposals, rules and practices that could increase the costs of providing mortgage servicing. Historically, we have not serviced mortgage loans for others. However, if we were to provide servicing in the future, regulation of mortgage servicing could make it more difficult and costly to timely realize the value of collateral securing such loans upon a borrower default.
Our success depends on our ability to compete effectively in highly competitive markets.
The banking markets in which we do business are highly competitive and our future growth and success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in these markets. We compete for deposits, loans, and other financial services in our markets with other local, regional and national commercial banks, thrifts, credit unions, mortgage lenders, trust services providers and securities advisory and brokerage firms. Marketplace lenders operating nationwide over the internet are also growing rapidly, other fintech developments, including blockchain and other technologies, may potentially disrupt the financial services industry and impact the way banks do business. Many of our competitors offer products and services different from us, and have substantially greater resources, name recognition and market presence than we do, which benefits them in attracting business. In addition, larger competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we are able to and have broader and more diverse customer and geographic bases to draw upon. The Dodd-Frank Act allows others to branch into our markets more easily from other states. Failures of other banks with offices in our markets and small institutions wishing to sell or merge due to cost pressures could also lead to the entrance of new, stronger competitors in our markets.
Defaults by or deteriorating asset quality of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.
We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, central clearinghouses, commercial banks, investment banks, hedge funds and investment funds, our correspondent banks and other financial institutions. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of the default of our counterparty. In addition, with respect to secured transactions, credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices insufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due to us. We also may have exposure to these financial institutions in the form of unsecured debt instruments, derivatives and other securities. Further, potential action by governments and regulatory bodies in response to financial crises affecting the global banking system and financial markets, such as nationalization, conservatorship, receivership and other intervention, or lack of action by governments and central banks, as well as deterioration in the banks’ creditworthiness, could adversely affect the value and/or liquidity of these instruments, securities, transactions and investments or limit our ability to trade with them. Any losses or impairments to the carrying value of these investments or other changes may materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
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We could be required to write down our goodwill and other intangible assets.
We had goodwill of $19.5 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, which primarily represents the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of the net assets of a savings bank acquired in 2006 and the Cayman Bank Acquisition in 2019. We perform our goodwill impairment testing annually using a process which requires the use of fair value estimates and judgment. The estimated fair value is affected by the performance of the business, which may be especially diminished by prolonged market declines. If it is determined that the goodwill has been impaired, we must write down the goodwill by the amount of the impairment, with a corresponding charge to net income. Although we have had no goodwill write-downs historically, any such write-downs could have an adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position. Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company completed an assessment of goodwill for potential impairment on an interim basis as of June 30 and September 30, 2020 and although it did not identify any impairment in these instances, there can be no assurance that prolonged market volatility resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic will not result in impairments to goodwill in future periods.
Deferred income tax represents the tax effect of the timing differences between financial accounting and tax reporting. Deferred tax assets, or DTAs, are assessed periodically by management to determine whether they are realizable. Factors in management’s determination include the performance of the business, including the ability to generate future taxable income. If, based on available information, it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax asset will not be realized, then a valuation allowance must be established with a corresponding charge to net income. Such charges could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position. In addition, changes in the corporate tax rates could affect the value of our DTAs and may require a write-off of a portion of some of those assets. The Tax Cuts and JOBS ACt of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”) reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 21% effective for periods starting January 1, 2018, from a prior rate of 35%. In December 2017, we remeasured our net DTAs and recorded $9.6 million in additional tax expense and a corresponding reduction in net income as a result of the 2017 Tax Act. At December 31, 2020, we had net DTAs with a book value of $11.7 million, based on a U.S. corporate income tax rate of 21%. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”
In addition, long-lived assets, including assets such as real estate, also require impairment testing. This testing is done to determine whether changes in circumstances indicate that we will be unable to recover the carrying amount of these assets. Such write-downs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position.
Our historical consolidated financial data are not necessarily representative of the results we would have achieved as a separate company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.
Because we completed a Spin-off from our Former Parent in August of 2018, our historical consolidated financial data included herein does not necessarily reflect the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows we would have achieved as a standalone company during the periods presented or those we will achieve in the future. We underwent a comprehensive strategic planning process to evaluate how we conduct business, including how to focus on our domestic U.S. business while better serving our valued foreign customers, reducing costs, and increasing core deposits, fee income, margins, and the number of services we provide per household and our profitability. As a result of these matters, among others, it may be difficult for investors to compare our future results to historical results or to evaluate our relative performance or trends in our business.
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We may need to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed or on favorable terms.

We anticipate that our current capital resources will satisfy our capital requirements for the foreseeable future under currently effective regulatory capital rules. We may, however, need to raise additional capital to support our growth or currently unanticipated losses, or to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend, among other things, on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which may be limited by events outside our control, and on our financial performance.If we cannot raise additional capital on acceptable terms when needed, our ability to further expand our operations through internal growth and acquisitions could be limited.

Risks Related to Conditions in Venezuela

Conditions in Venezuela could adversely affect our operations.

At December 31, 2020, 37.0% of our deposits, or approximately $2.1 billion, were from Venezuelan residents.The Bank’s Venezuelan deposits declined from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2020 (see Deposits by Country of Domicile in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations).These declines were due in part to actions by the Company to reduce its compliance costs and from economic conditions in Venezuela that adversely affected our Venezuelan customers’ ability to generate and save U.S. dollars and the use of their deposits to fund living expenses and other investment activities. All of the Bank’s deposits are denominated in U.S. Dollars. Adverse economic conditions in Venezuela may continue to negatively affect our Venezuelan deposit base and our ability to retain and grow these relationships, as customers rely on their Dollar deposits to spend without being able to earn additional Dollars.
In addition, although we seek to increase our trust, brokerage and investment advisory business from our domestic markets, substantially all our revenue from these services currently is from Venezuelan customers.Economic and other conditions in Venezuela, or U.S. regulations or sanctions affecting the services we may provide to our Venezuelan customers may adversely affect the amounts of assets we manage or custody, and the trading volumes of our Venezuelan customers, reducing fees and commissions we earn from these businesses.
Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken by governmental authorities to mitigate its spread has significantly impacted economic conditions, and a future outbreak of COVID-19 or another highly contagious disease, could adversely affect our business activities, results of operations and financial condition.
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and subsequently, on March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency with respect to COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and another pandemic in the future could have, a negative impact on the economy and financial markets, globally and in the United States.
In many countries, including the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of measures by governmental authorities to contain its spread, including “shelter at home” orders, as well as mandating business and school closures and restricting travel, has had a significant negative impact on economic activity and has contributed to significant volatility and negative pressure in financial markets and the United States economy, which has and could continue to disrupt the business, activities and operations of our customers, as well as of our business and operations.
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Several states and cities across the United States, including the States of Florida, New York and Texas and cities where we have banking centers, LPOs and where our principal place of business is located, have also implemented quarantines, restrictions on travel, “shelter at home” orders, and restrictions on types of business that may continue to operate. While following the declaration of the pandemic, some of these measures and restrictions have been lifted, and certain businesses reopened, the Company cannot predict when circumstances may change and restrictions currently in place may be lifted, or whether restrictions that have been lifted will need to be imposed or tightened in the future if viewed as necessary due to public health concerns. Although several vaccines to limit the effects and spread of COVID-19 have been developed and approved, their rollout and administration to the population in the United States and globally is still in its initial stages. In addition, the efficacy of these vaccines in fighting and/or preventing recently identified and more contagious variants of COVID-19 is still undetermined. A significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, or an outbreak of another highly infectious or contagious disease, particularly if they occur in the markets where we operate, may result in a significant decrease in business and/or cause our customers to be unable to meet existing payment or other obligations. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented to contain it, almost every industry has been and is being directly or indirectly impacted, including industries in which our customers operate.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the financial markets and has prompted several actions by the Federal Reserve that affect us. Market interest rates have declined significantly and are at historical lows. These decline in interest rates, particularly if they are sustained for a significant time, could adversely affect our net interest income, margins and profitability. Also, since the start of the pandemic, a number of our customers have requested and been granted by the Company loan payment relief options, including deferral and/or forbearance options. In addition, in the first and second quarters of 2020, the Company significantly increased its provision for loan losses primarily due to estimated losses reflecting deterioration in the macro-economic environment due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across multiple impacted sectors. The longer and more profound the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has globally, in the United States and on our customers and their businesses, the more likely we will have to recognize loan losses or continue to increase the provision for loan losses and we could continue to experience a material adverse effect to our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The spread of COVID-19 has caused us to modify our business practices, including the implementation of temporary branch and office closures as well as a remote work protocol due to the need to implement social distancing and limit occupancy of businesses in the states and cities where we operate. An extended period of remote work arrangements could introduce operational risks, including but not limited to cybersecurity risks, and limit our ability to provide services and products to our customers and, in general, manage our business.
Also, the COVID-19 pandemic, or a future pandemic, could have material adverse effects on our ability to successfully operate and on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows due to, several factors including but not limited to the following:
The reduced economic activity may severely impact our customers' businesses, financial condition and liquidity and may prevent one or more of our customers from meeting their obligations to us in full, or at all, or to otherwise seek modifications of such obligations;
A decline in the credit quality of our loan portfolio leading to a need to increase our allowance for loan losses;
A decline in the credit quality of loans used as collateral to obtain advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank may trigger a request to replace the loans used as collateral with securities and may negatively impact our liquidity ratio;
A significant decline in the value of the collateral used to secure loans that have a related interest rate swap agreement may limit our ability to realize enough value from the collateral to cover the outstanding balance of the loan and the related swap liability;
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any impairment in value of our tangible and/or intangible assets which could be recorded as a result of weaker economic conditions;
the reduced economic activity could develop into a local and/or global economic recession, which could adversely affect the demand for our products and services;
increased unemployment and decreased consumer confidence, which could adversely affect account openings and result in decreased deposit activity and increased withdrawal activity;
the potential volatility in the fair value and yields of our investment portfolio;
a severe disruption and instability in the global financial markets or deterioration in credit and financing conditions may affect our ability to access the debt and/or equity markets in the future on attractive terms, or at all, or negatively impact our credit ratings; and
any reduction/impairment in value of the collateral used by our customers to secure their obligations with us that could be recorded as a result of weaker economic conditions.
The extent of the impact of COVID-19 over the Company and its customers will depend on a number of issues and future developments, which, at this time, are extremely uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including the scope, severity and duration of the pandemic, the actions taken to contain or mitigate the impact of the pandemic, and the direct and indirect effects that the pandemic and related containment measures may have, among others.
The COVID-19 pandemic presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and performance of the Company and the rapid development and fluidity of the situation surrounding the pandemic prevents any prediction as to its full adverse impact. Moreover, many risk factors described in this Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 should be interpreted as heightened risks as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a participating lender in the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), the Company and the Bank are subject to additional risks of litigation from the Bank’s customers or other parties regarding the Bank’s processing of loans for the PPP and risks that the SBA may not fund some or all PPP loan guaranties.
The Company is participating as an eligible lender in a loan program created under the CARES Act and administered through the SBA referred to as the PPP. Under the PPP, small businesses and other entities and individuals can apply for loans from existing SBA lenders and other approved regulated lenders that enroll in the program, subject to several limitations and eligibility criteria. Since the inception of the PPP several financial institutions have been subject to litigation regarding the processes and procedures used in processing applications for the PPP. The Company and the Bank may be exposed to the risk of similar litigation, both from customers and non-customers that approached the Bank regarding PPP loans, regarding its process and procedures used in processing applications for the PPP. In addition to litigation, our participation in the PPP exposes us to the possibility of governmental investigations, enforcement actions and negative publicity. If any litigation, enforcement action or other action is filed against the Company and is not resolved in a manner favorable to us, it may result in significant financial liability or adversely affect the Company's reputation. In addition, litigation can be costly, regardless of the outcome. Any financial liability, litigation costs or damage to our reputation caused by PPP related litigation could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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The Bank also has credit risk on PPP loans if a determination is made by the SBA that there is a deficiency in the manner in which a loan was originated, funded, or serviced by the Bank, such as an issue with the eligibility of a borrower to receive a PPP loan, which may or may not be related to the ambiguity in the laws, rules and guidance regarding the operation of the PPP. In the event of a loss resulting from a default on a PPP loan and a determination by the SBA that there was a deficiency in the manner in which the PPP loan was originated, funded, or serviced by the Company, the SBA may deny its liability under the guaranty, reduce the amount of the guaranty, or, if it has already paid under the guaranty, seek recovery of any loss related to the deficiency from the Company.
Risks Related to Risk Management, Internal Audit, Internal Controls and Disclosure Controls

Potential gaps in our risk management policies and internal audit procedures may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risk, which could negatively affect our business.

Our enterprise risk management and internal audit programs are designed to mitigate material risks and loss to us. We have developed and continue to develop risk management and internal audit policies and procedures to reflect ongoing reviews of our risks and expect to continue to do so in the future. Nonetheless, our policies and procedures may not identify every risk to which we are exposed, and our internal audit process may fail to detect such weaknesses or deficiencies in our risk management framework. Many of our methods for managing risk and exposures are based upon the use of observed historical market behavior to model or project potential future exposure. Models used by our business are based on assumptions and projections. These models may not operate properly or our inputs and assumptions may be inaccurate, or may not be adopted quickly enough to reflect changes in behavior, markets or technology. As a result, these methods may not fully predict future exposures, which can be significantly different and greater than historical measures indicate. Other risk management methods depend upon the evaluation of information regarding markets, customers, or other matters that are publicly available or otherwise accessible to us. This information may not always be accurate, complete, up-to-date or properly evaluated. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we can effectively review and monitor all risks or that all of our employees will closely follow our risk management policies and procedures, nor can there be any assurance that our risk management policies and procedures will enable us to accurately identify all risks and limit timely our exposures based on our assessments. All of these could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We may determine that our internal controls and disclosure controls could have deficiencies or weaknesses.
We regularly review our internal controls for deficiencies and weaknesses. We have had no material weaknesses, but we have had deficiencies in the past. Although we seek to prevent, discover and promptly cure any deficiencies or weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting, or ICFR, we may have material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in the future. If we are unable to remediate such weaknesses or deficiencies, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results, or report them within the timeframes required by law or Nasdaq rules. Failure to comply with the SEC internal controls regulations could also potentially subject us to investigations or enforcement actions by the SEC or other regulatory authorities. If we fail to implement and maintain effective ICFR, our ability to accurately and timely report our financial results could be impaired, which could result in late filings of our periodic reports under the Exchange Act, restatements of our consolidated financial statements, suspension or delisting of our common stock from the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Such events could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, the trading price of our shares of common stock could decline and our access to the capital markets or other financing sources could be limited.
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Risks Related to Technology and our Information Systems
Technological changes affect our business including potentially impacting the revenue stream of traditional products and services, and we may have fewer resources than many competitors to invest in technological improvements.
The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services, mainly provided by third party vendors, and a growing demand for mobile and other smart device and computer banking applications. In addition to allowing us to service our clients better, the effective use of technology may increase efficiency and may enable financial institutions to reduce costs and the risks associated with fraud and other operational risks. Technological changes may impact our product and service offerings and may negatively affect the revenue stream of our traditional products and services. The largely unregulated Fintech industry has increased its participation in the lending and payments businesses, and has increased competition in these businesses. This trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to use technology to provide products and services that meet our customers’ preferences and which create additional efficiencies in operations, while controlling the risk of cyberattacks and disruptions, and data breaches. Our strategic plan contemplates simplifying and improving our information technology, and making significant additional investments in technology. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services as quickly or at the costs anticipated. Furthermore, replacing third-party dependent solutions may also be time consuming and could potentially create disruptions with other already implemented solutions. Such technology may prove less effective than anticipated, and conversion issues may increase the costs of the new technology and delay its use. Many larger competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements and, increasingly, non-banking firms are using technology to compete with traditional lenders for loans and other banking services.
Our information systems may experience interruptions and security breaches, and are exposed to cybersecurity threats.
We rely heavily on communications and information systems, including those provided by third-party service providers, to conduct our business. Any failure, interruption, or security breach of these systems could result in failures or disruptions which could affect our customers’ privacy and our customer relationships, generally. Our systems and networks, as well as those of our third-party service providers, are subject to security risks and could be susceptible to cyberattacks. Financial institutions and their service providers are regularly attacked, some of which have involved sophisticated and targeted attack methods, including use of stolen access credentials, malware, ransomware, phishing, structured query language injection attacks, and distributed denial-of-service attacks, among others. Such cyberattacks may also be directed at disrupting the operations of public companies or their business partners, which are intended to effect unauthorized fund transfers, obtain unauthorized access to confidential information, destroy data, disable or degrade service, sabotage systems, and/or cause serious reputational harm often through the introduction of computer viruses or malware, cyberattacks and other means. Cyber threats are rapidly evolving and we may not be able to anticipate or prevent all such attacks and could be held liable for any security breach or loss.
Despite our cybersecurity policies and procedures and our efforts to monitor and ensure the integrity of our and our service providers’ systems, we may not be able to anticipate all types of security threats, nor may we be able to implement preventive measures effective against all such security threats. The techniques used by cyber criminals change frequently, may not be recognized until launched and can originate from a wide variety of sources, including outside groups such as external service providers, organized crime affiliates, terrorist organizations or hostile foreign governments or agencies. These risks may increase in the future as the use of mobile banking and other internet-based products and services continues to grow.
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Security breaches or failures may have serious adverse financial and other consequences, including significant legal and remediation costs, disruption of operations, misappropriation of confidential information, damage to systems operated by us or our third-party service providers, as well as damaging our customers and our counterparties. Such losses and claims may not be covered by our insurance. In addition to the immediate costs of any failure, interruption or security breach, including those at our third-party service providers, these events could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Any failure to protect the confidentiality of customer information could adversely affect our reputation and subject us to financial sanctions and other costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Various federal, state and foreign laws enforced by the bank regulators and other agencies protect the privacy and security of customers’ non-public personal information. Many of our employees have access to, and routinely process, sensitive personal customer information, including through their access to information technology systems. We rely on various internal processes and controls to protect the confidentiality of client information that is accessible to, or in the possession of, the Company and its employees. It is possible that an employee could, intentionally or unintentionally, disclose or misappropriate confidential client information or our data could be the subject of a cybersecurity attack. Such personal data could also be compromised by third-party hackers via intrusions into our systems or those of service providers or persons we do business with such as credit bureaus, data processors and merchants who accept credit or debit cards for payment; as well as brand impersonation phishing attacks that seek to obtain customers’ personal data through the use of fraudulent emails and/or websites impersonating the Company’s brand. If we are subject to a successful cyberattack or fail to maintain adequate internal controls, or if our employees fail to comply with our policies and procedures, misappropriation or intentional or unintentional inappropriate disclosure or misuse of client information could occur. Such cyberattacks, if they result from internal control inadequacies or non-compliance, could materially damage our reputation, lead to civil or criminal penalties, or both, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Acquisitions and Expansion Activities
Future acquisitions and expansion activities may disrupt our business, dilute shareholder value and adversely affect our operating results.
While we seek continued organic growth, we may consider the acquisition of other businesses. If we do seek acquisitions, we expect that other banking and financial companies, many of which have significantly greater resources, will compete with us to acquire financial services businesses. This competition could increase prices for potential acquisitions that we believe are attractive. In addition, acquisitions are subject to various regulatory approvals. If we fail to receive the appropriate regulatory approvals, we will not be able to consummate an acquisition that we may believe is in our best interests. Additionally, regulatory approvals could contain conditions that reduce the anticipated benefits of a contemplated transaction. Any acquisition could be dilutive to our earnings and shareholders’ equity per share of our common stock.
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To the extent that we grow through acquisitions, we cannot assure you that we will be able to adequately or profitably manage this growth. Acquiring other banks, banking centers, or businesses, as well as other geographic (domestic and international) and product expansion activities, involve various risks, including: risks of unknown or contingent liabilities; unanticipated costs and delays; risks that acquired new businesses will not perform consistent with our growth and profitability expectations; risks of entering new markets (domestic and international) or product areas where we have limited experience; risks that growth will strain our infrastructure, staff, internal controls and management, which may require additional personnel, time and expenditures; exposure to potential asset quality issues with acquired institutions; difficulties, expenses and delays in integrating the operations and personnel of acquired institutions or business generation teams; potential disruptions to our business; possible loss of key employees and customers of acquired institutions; potential short-term decreases in profitability; and diversion of our management’s time and attention from our existing operations and business.
Risks Related to Regulatory and Legal Matters
We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our Indebtednessactivities and adversely affect our earnings.
WeChanges in federal, state or local tax laws, or audits from tax authorities, could negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Litigation and regulatory investigations are increasingly common in our businesses and may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt, including the Senior Notes.
Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal and interest result in significant financial losses and/or to satisfy our obligations in respect of our debt or to refinance our debt will depend on our future operating performance. Prevailing economic conditions (including low interest rates and reduced economic activity due to COVID-19), regulatory constraints, including, among other things, limitations on distributions to us from our subsidiaries and required capital levels with respectharm to our subsidiary bankreputation.
We are subject to capital adequacy and non-banking subsidiaries,liquidity standards, and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, will also affect our abilityif we fail to meet these needs. We may not be ablestandards, whether due to generate sufficientlosses, growth opportunities or an inability to raise additional capital or otherwise, our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows from operations, or obtain future borrowings in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our debt, or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our debt on or before maturity. We may not be able to refinance any of our debt when needed on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
We and Amerant Florida, the subsidiary guarantor, are each a holding company with limited operations and depend on our subsidiaries for the funds required to make payments of principal and interest on the Senior Notes.
We and the subsidiary guarantor are each a separate and distinct legal entity from the Bank and our other subsidiaries. Our and our subsidiary guarantor’s primary source of funds to make payments of principal and interest on the Senior Notes and to satisfy any obligations under the guarantee, respectively, and to satisfy any other financial obligations are dividends from the Bank. Our and the subsidiary guarantor’s ability to receive dividends from the Bank is contingent on a number of factors, including the Bank’s ability to meet applicable regulatory capital requirements, the Bank’s profitability and earnings, and the general strength of its balance sheet. Various federal and state regulatory provisions limit the amount of dividends bank subsidiaries are permitted to pay to their holding companies without regulatory approval. In general, the Bank may only pay dividends either out of its net income after any required transfers to surplus or reserves have been made or out of its retained earnings. In addition, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued policy statements stating that insured banks and bank holding companies generally should pay dividends only out of current operating earnings.
Banks and their holding companies are required to maintain a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% in addition to satisfying other applicable regulatory capital ratios. Banking institutions that do not maintain capital in excess of the capital conservation buffer may face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and executive compensation based on the amount of the shortfall. Accordingly, if the Bank fails to maintain the applicable minimum capital ratios and the capital conservation buffer, dividends to us or the subsidiary guarantor from the Bank may be prohibited or limited, and there may be insufficient funds to make principal and interest payments on the Senior Notes or to satisfy any obligation under the guarantee.
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In addition, state or federal banking regulators have broad authority to restrict the payment of dividends, including in circumstances where a bank under such regulator’s jurisdiction engages in (or is about to engage in) unsafe or unsound practices. Such regulators have the authority to require that a bank cease and desist from unsafe and unsound practices and to prevent a bank from paying a dividend if its financial condition is such that the regulator views the payment of a dividend to constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.
Accordingly, we can provide no assurance that we or the subsidiary guarantor will receive dividends from the Bank in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, or interest on, the Notes or to satisfy any obligations under the guarantee. In addition, our right and the rights of our creditors, including holders of the Senior Notes, to participate in the assets of any non-guarantor subsidiary upon its liquidation or reorganization would be subject to the prior claims of such non-guarantor subsidiary’s creditors, except to the extent that we or the subsidiary guarantor may ourselves be a creditor with recognized claims against such non-guarantor subsidiary.adversely affected.
We may incur a substantial level of debt thatIncreases in FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments could materially adversely affect our ability to generate sufficient cash to fulfill our obligations under the Senior Notes.financial condition.
Neither we, nor anyFederal banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of our subsidiaries, are subjectbusiness, including our compliance with laws and regulations, and our failure to comply with any limitations underregulatory actions, if any, could adversely impact us.
The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the termsBank.
We may face higher risks of the indenture governing the terms of the Senior Notes from issuing, accepting or incurring any amount of additional debt, deposits or other liabilities, including senior indebtedness or other obligations ranking equallynoncompliance with the Senior Notes. We expect that we and our subsidiaries will incur additional debtBank Secrecy Act and other liabilities from timeanti-money laundering statutes and regulations than other financial institutions.
Failures to time, and our level of debt andcomply with the risks related theretofair lending laws, CFPB regulations or the Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, could increase.
A substantial level of debt could have important consequences to us, holders of the Senior Notes and our shareholders, including the following: making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt, including the Senior Notes; requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing funds available for other purposes; increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions, which could place us at a disadvantage relative to our competitors that have less debt; limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in which we operate; and limiting our ability to borrow additional funds, or to dispose of assets to raise funds, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other corporate purposes.adversely affect us.
Risks Related to ExternalOwnership of Our Common Stock
Our principal shareholders and Market Factorsmanagement own a significant percentage of our shares of voting common stock and will be able to exert significant control over matters subject to shareholder approval.
Our businessThe rights of our common shareholders are subordinate to the holders of any debt securities that we have issued or may be adversely affected by economic conditions in generalissue from time to time.
The stock price of financial institutions, like Amerant, may fluctuate significantly.
We can issue additional equity securities, which would lead to dilution of our issued and by conditions in the financial markets.outstanding Class A common stock.
We are exposed to downturns in theCertain provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, Florida law, and U.S. economy and market conditions generally. The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and another pandemic in the futurebanking laws could have a negative impact on the economy and financial markets, globally and in the United States. In many countries, including the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on economic activity and has contributed to significant volatility and negative pressure in financial markets. The outbreak has been continuously evolving and actions taken around the world to help mitigate its spread have had and are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the economies and financial markets of many regions, including the markets we serve as well as industries in which we regularly extend credit.
While domestic demand for loans has relatively increased since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, additional significant gains will depend on sustained economic growth. In addition, interest rates have been low for an extended period in recent years and remain at historically low levels that have placed and continue to place pressure on our NIM. Any further declines in interest rates will place additional competitive pressure on net interest margins. On the contrary, increases in interest rates will generate competitive pressures on the deposit cost of funds. We are unable to accurately predict the pace and magnitude of changes to interest rates, or the impact these changes will have on our results of operations.
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Table of Contentsanti-takeover effects.
Although there have been recent positive developments in relation to unemployment data, the housing sector, and credit quality, we do not expect that the current uncertain economic conditions in the economy will improve significantly in the near term. If the economy were to deteriorate further, it may impact us in significant and unpredictable ways. In connection with these events, we may face the following particular risks: market developments may negatively affect industries we extend credit to and may result in increased delinquencies and default rates, which, among other effects, could negatively impact our charge-offs and provision for loan losses; market disruptions could make valuation of assets more difficult and subjective and may negatively affect our ability to measure the fair value of our assets; and, loan performance could deteriorate, loan default levels and foreclosure activity increase and or our assets could materially decline in value. Any of these risks individually or a combination could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
For an additional discussion on the potential risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, see the risk captioned “The COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken by governmental authorities to mitigate its spread has significantly impacted economic conditions, or an outbreak of another highly contagious disease, could adversely affect our business activities, results of operations and financial condition.” above.
Risks Related to Regulatory and Legal Matters
We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities and adversely affect our earnings.
We and our subsidiaries are regulated by several regulators, including the Federal Reserve, the OCC, the FDIC, the SEC, FINRA, and CIMA. Our success is affected by regulations affecting banks and bank holding companies, and the securities markets, and our costs of complianceChanges in federal, state or local tax laws, or audits from tax authorities, could adverselynegatively affect our earnings. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors and the FDIC’s DIF, not shareholders. From time to time, regulators raise issues during examinationsbusiness, financial condition, results of us which, if not determined satisfactorily, could have a material adverse effect on us. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is time consuming and costly and may affect our profitability.operations or cash flows.
The financial services industry also is subject to frequent legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes. The nature, effects and timing of administrative and legislative change, and possible changes in regulation or regulatory approach resulting from the 2020 general election cannot be predicted. The federal bank regulators and the Treasury Department, as well as the Congress and the President, are evaluating the regulation of banks, other financial services providers and the financial markets and such changes, if any, could require us to maintain more capital and liquidity, and restrict our activities, which could adversely affect our growth, profitability and financial condition.
Litigation and regulatory investigations are increasingly common in our businesses and may result in significant financial losses and/or harm to our reputation.
We face risks of litigation and regulatory investigations and actions in the ordinary course of operating our businesses, including the risk of class action lawsuits. Plaintiffs in class action and other lawsuits against us may seek very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages. Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. We presently do not have any material pending litigation or regulatory matters affecting us.
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A substantial legal liability or a significant federal, state or other regulatory action against us, as well as regulatory inquiries or investigations, could harm our reputation, result in material fines or penalties, result in significant legal costs, divert management resources away from our business, and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our ability to expand on our existing business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if we ultimately prevail in the litigation, regulatory action or investigation, our ability to attract new customers, retain our current customers and recruit and retain employees could be materially and adversely affected. Regulatory inquiries and litigation may also adversely affect the prices or volatility of our securities specifically, or the securities of our industry, generally.
We are subject to capital adequacy and liquidity standards, and if we fail to meet these standards, whether due to losses, growth opportunities or an inability to raise additional capital or otherwise, our business, financial condition, andresults of operations, or cash flows would be adversely affected.
We, as a bank holding company, and the Bank are subject to capital rules of the Federal Reserve and the OCC, that implement a set of capital requirements issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision known as Basel III. The Basel III Capital Rules include a minimum ratio of CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 7% (a minimum of 4.5% plus a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets); a Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of at least 8.5% (a minimum of 6.0% plus a capital conservation buffer of 2.5%), a total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of at least 10.5% (a minimum of 8.0% plus a capital conservation buffer of 2.5%) and a leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to total consolidated assets of at least 4.0%. See “Supervision and Regulation—Basel III Capital Rules.”
The capital rules also include stringent criteria for capital instruments to qualify as Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital. For example, the rules provide that newly issued trust preferred securities cannot be a component of a holding company’s Tier 1 capital. As of December 31, 2020, we had $62.3 million of trust preferred securities outstanding that were issued as Tier 1 capital, as permitted by a grandfather provisionIncreases in the capital rules, but this grandfather provision may cease to apply if we grow to $15 billion or more in total assets. We have established capital ratio targets that align with U.S. regulatory expectations under the Basel III Capital Rules. Any failure to remain “well capitalized,” for bank regulatory purposes, including meeting the Basel III Capital Rule’s conservation buffer, could affect customer confidence, and our: ability to grow; costs of and availability of funds; FDIC deposit insurance premiums; ability to raise, rollover or replace brokered deposits; ability to make acquisitions, open new branches or engage in new activities; flexibility if we become subject to prompt corrective action restrictions; ability to make payments of principalpremiums and interest onassessments could adversely affect our capital instruments; and ability to pay dividends on our capital stock.
The regulatory capital rules applicable to us and the Bank may continue to change due to new requirements established by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision or legislative, regulatory or accounting changes in the United States. We cannot predict the effect that any changes to current capital requirements would have on us and the Bank.
We will be subject to heightened regulatory requirements if our total assets grow in excess of $10 billion.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our total assets were $7.8 billion and $8.0 billion, respectively. Based on our current total assets and growth strategy, we anticipate our total assets may exceed $10 billion within the next five years. In addition to our current regulatory requirements, banks with $10 billion or more in total assets are, among other things: examined directly by the CFPB with respect to various federal consumer financial laws; subject to reduced dividends on the Bank’s holdings of Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta common stock; subject to limits on interchange fees pursuant to the “Durbin Amendment” to the Dodd-Frank Act; subject to certain enhanced prudential standards; and no longer treated as a “small institution” for FDIC deposit insurance assessment purposes.
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Compliance with these additional ongoing requirements may necessitate additional personnel, the design and implementationFederal banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of additional internal controls, or the incurrence of other significant expenses, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Our regulators may also considerincluding our preparation for compliance with theselaws and regulations, and our failure to comply with any regulatory requirements in the course of examining our operations generally or when consideringactions, if any, request from us or the Bank.could adversely impact us.
The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank.
As a matter of policy, the Federal Reserve, which examines us, expects a bank holding company to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to a subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support such subsidiary bank. The Federal Reserve may require a bank holding company to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act amended the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Act to require that all companies that control an FDIC-insured depository institution serve as a source of financial strength to the depository institution. Under this requirement, we could be required to provide financial assistance to the Bank should it experience financial distress, even if further investment was not otherwise warranted. See “Supervision and Regulation.”
We may face higher risks of noncompliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations than other financial institutions.
The USA Patriot and BSA and the related federal regulations require banks to establish anti-money laundering programs that include, policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to verify the identity of their customers and of beneficial owners of their legal entity customers. In addition, FinCEN, which was established as part of the Treasury Department to combat money laundering, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of anti-money laundering rules.
There is also regulatory scrutiny of compliance with the rules of the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC which administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals, including sanctions against foreign countries, regimes and individuals, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and those involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Executive Orders have sanctioned the Venezuelan government and entities it owns, and certain Venezuelan persons. In addition, the OCC has broad authority to bring enforcement actions and to impose monetary penalties if it determines that there are deficiencies in the Bank’s compliance with anti-money laundering laws.
Monitoring compliance with anti-money laundering and OFAC rules is complex and expensive. The risk of noncompliance with such rules can be more acute for financial institutions like us that have a significant number of customers from, or which do business in Latin America. As of December 31, 2020, $2.1 billion, or 37.0%, of our total deposits were from residents of Venezuela. Our total loan exposure to international markets, primarily individuals in Venezuela and corporations in other Latin American countries, was $152.9 million, or 2.62%, of our total loans, at December 31, 2020.
In recent years, we have expended significant management and financial resources to further strengthen our anti-money laundering compliance program. Although we believe our anti-money laundering and OFAC compliance programs, and our current policies and procedures and employees dedicated to these activities, are sufficient to comply with applicable rules and regulations, and continued enhancements are ongoing, we cannot guarantee that our program will prevent all attempts by customers to utilize the Bank in money laundering or financing impermissible under current sanctions and OFAC rules, or sanctions against Venezuela, and certain persons there. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient or fail to prevent violations of law or the policies, procedures and systems of the financial institutions that we may acquire in the future are deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and formal regulatory enforcement actions, including possible cease and desist orders, restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, regulatory limitations on implementing certain aspects
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of our business plan, including acquisitions or banking center relocation or expansion, and require us to expend additional resources to cure any deficiency, which could materially and adversely affect us.
Failures to comply with the fair lending laws, CFPB regulations or the Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, could adversely affect us.
The Bank is subject to, among other things, the provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, or ECOA, and the Fair Housing Act, both of which prohibit discrimination based on race or color, religion, national origin, sex and familial status in any aspect of a consumer, commercial credit or residential real estate transaction. Failures to comply with ECOA, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations, including CFPB regulations, could subject us to enforcement actions or litigation, and could have a material adverse effect on our business financial condition and results of operations. Our Bank is also subject to the CRA, and periodic CRA examinations by the OCC. The CRA requires us to serve our entire communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Our CRA ratings could be adversely affected by actual or alleged violations of the fair lending or consumer financial protection laws. Even though we have maintained an “outstanding” CRA rating since 2000, we cannot predict our future CRA ratings. Violations of fair lending laws or if our CRA rating falls to less than “satisfactory” could adversely affect our business, including expansion through branching or acquisitions.

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
A limited market exists for the Company’s shares of Class B common stock.

Although since we becameOur principal shareholders and management own a publicly traded company our shares of Class B common stock has been listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, there has been and there currently is a limited market for shares of Class B common stock and there is no assurance that an active market will develop or be sustained. In addition, on December 23, 2020, we completed a tender offer for sharessignificant percentage of our shares of Class Bvoting common stock and purchased 4,249,785 shares of Class B common stock, representing approximately 32% of the shares of Class B common stock outstanding as of November 12, 2020. Since the completion of the tender offer, the trading volumeswill be able to exert significant control over matters subject to shareholder approval.
The rights of our sharescommon shareholders are subordinate to the holders of Class B common stock has remain limited. If more active trading markets do not develop, youany debt securities that we have issued or may be unable to sell or purchase shares of our Class B common stock at the volume, price and time that you desire.
Whether or not the purchase or sale prices of our shares of Class B common stock reflect a reasonable valuation of our shares of Class B common stock may depend on an active trading market developing, and thus the price you receive for our shares of Class B common stock, may not reflect its true or intrinsic value. Limited trading in our common stock may cause fluctuations in the market value of our shares of Class B common stock to be exaggeratedissue from time to time, leading totime.
The stock price volatility in excess of thatfinancial institutions, like Amerant, may fluctuate significantly.
We can issue additional equity securities, which would occur in a more active trading market.
Holders of shares of Class B common stock have limited voting rights. As a result, holders of shares of Class B common stock will have limited abilitylead to influence shareholder decisions.
Generally, holdersdilution of our shares of Class B common stock are entitled to one-tenth of a vote,issued and vote together with holders of our shares ofoutstanding Class A common stock on a combined basis, on the ratification of the appointment of our auditors for a given fiscal year, if we present such a proposal for shareholder consideration. Our shares of Class B common stock has no other voting rights, except as required by the Florida Business Corporation Act to vote as a voting group on any amendment, alteration or repealstock.
Certain provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, Florida law, and U.S. banking laws could have anti-takeover effects.
Risks Related to our Indebtedness
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt, including the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and the Debentures.
We are a holding company with limited operations and depend on our subsidiaries for the funds required to make payments of principal and interest on the Senior Notes, Subordinated Notes and the Debentures.
We may incur a substantial level of debt that could materially adversely affect our ability to generate sufficient cash to fulfill our obligations under the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and the Debentures.

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Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

We are subject to risks and uncertainties that could potentially negatively impact our business, financial conditions, results of operations and cash flows. In evaluating us and our business and making or continuing an investment in our securities, you should carefully consider the risks described below as well as other information contained in this Form 10-K and any risk factors and uncertainties discussed in our other public filings with the SEC under the caption “Risk Factors”. We may face other risks that are not contained in this Form 10-K, including additional risks that are not presently known, or that we presently deem immaterial. This Form 10-K and the risks discussed below also include forward-looking statements, and our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section in this Form 10-K titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for additional information regarding forward-looking statements.

Risks related to Funding and Liquidity

Liquidity risks could affect our operations and jeopardize our financial condition and certain funding sources could increase our interest rate expense.

Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, proceeds from loan repayments or sales, and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our funding sources include deposits (core and non-core), federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, short-and long-term debt, the Federal Reserve Discount Window (Discount Window) and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, or FHLB, advances. We also maintain a portfolio of securities that can be used as a source of liquidity.

A substantial portion of our liabilities consist of deposit accounts that are payable on demand or upon several days' notice, including deposit accounts from Large Fund Providers (third-party customer relationships with balances of over $20 million). We also use brokered deposits and wholesale funding, which not only increases our liquidity risk but could also increase our interest rate expense and potentially increase our deposit insurance costs. Institutions that are less than well-capitalized may be unable to raise or renew brokered deposits under the prompt corrective action rules. See “Supervision and Regulation—Capital Requirements” in the Form 10-K.

Any significant restriction or disruption of our ability to obtain funding from these or other sources could have a negative effect on our ability to satisfy our current and future financial obligations, which could materially affect our financial condition or results of operations. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities on terms which are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or the economy in general, including but not limited to: a downturn in economic conditions in the geographic markets in which we operate or in the financial or credit markets in general; increases in interest rates; the liquidity needs of our depositors as well as competition for deposits; the availability of sufficient collateral that is acceptable to the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank, fiscal and monetary policy; and regulatory changes. In addition, our ability to otherwise borrow money or issue and sell debt will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, our credit ratings, and our credit capacity.

Alternative funding to deposits may carry higher costs. If we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive and potentially less stable funding sources or if additional financing sources are unavailable or are not available on acceptable terms, our profitability, liquidity, and prospects could be adversely affected.

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We may not be able to develop and maintain a strong core deposit base or other low-cost funding sources.

Our deposits (including checking, savings, money market and other deposits) are the primary funding source for our lending activities. Our future growth will largely depend on our ability to expand core deposits, which provide a less costly and stable funding source. The deposit markets are competitive; therefore growing our core deposit base could be difficult. In a competitive market, depositors have many choices for where to place their deposits. As we continue to grow our core deposit base and seek to reduce our exposure to high rate/high volatility accounts, we may experience a net deposit outflow, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

We may elect or be compelled to seek additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed or on acceptable terms.

We and the Bank are required by federal regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. While we believe that our existing capital (which currently exceeds the capital requirements) will be sufficient to support our current operations and expected growth. However, factors such as faster-than-anticipated growth, reduced earnings levels, operating losses, changes in economic conditions, revisions in regulatory requirements, or acquisition opportunities may lead us to seek additional capital. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on our financial performance and the conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are outside our control. Accordingly, we may be unable to raise additional capital if needed or on acceptable terms. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations, business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected, and the price of our securities may decline.

Our ability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries could affect our liquidity and our ability to pay dividends.

We are a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank and our other subsidiaries. The Federal Reserve Act, Section 23A, limits our ability to borrow from the Bank and our principal source of cash, other than securities offerings, is dividends from the Bank. These dividends are the principal source of funds to pay dividends on our common stock, as well as interest on our junior subordinated debentures and interest and principal on our Senior Notes and our Subordinated Notes. Several laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that the Bank may pay us as well as the dividends that we may pay on our common stock, see “Supervision and Regulation - Payment of Dividends.” Limitations on our ability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries could adversely affect our liquidity and on our ability to service our debt and pay dividends.

We cannot assure that we will continue to pay dividends on our common stock in the future. Future dividends will be declared and paid at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on a number of factors including, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, capital adequacy, cash requirements, prospects, regulatory capital and limitations, among others. Our inability to service our debt, pay our other obligations or pay dividends to our shareholders could adversely impact our financial condition and the value our securities.

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Risks related to Credit and Interest Rate

Our profitability is subject to interest rate risk.

Our profitability depends largely upon net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on assets, such as loans and investments, and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Interest rate changes may impact our profits and the values of several of our assets and liabilities. We expect to periodically experience “gaps” in the interest rate sensitivities of the Company’s assets and liabilities, meaning that either our interest-bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-earning assets, or vice versa.

If interest rates rise, our net interest income and the value of our assets could be reduced if interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings, increases more quickly than interest received on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities. In addition, rising interest rates may reduce the demand for loans and the volume of mortgage originations and re-financings, adversely affecting the profitability of our business. Increases in market interest rates may also impact our customers’ ability to repay their loans, which could increase the potential for default and our level of nonperforming assets and adversely affect our operating results. Further, when loans are placed on nonaccrual status any accrued but unpaid interest receivable is reversed, which decreases interest income; simultaneously, we will continue to have a cost to fund the loan, which is reflected as interest expense, without any interest income to offset the associated funding expense. Thus, an increase in the amount of nonperforming assets would have an adverse impact on net interest income. Also, in a rising interest rate environment, fixed-rate loans may adversely affect our margin and present asset/liability mismatches and risks since our liabilities are generally floating rate or have shorter maturities.

In declining rate environments, we may experience numerous loan prepayments and replacement loans may be priced at a lower rate, decreasing our net interest income. Further, should market interest rates fall below current levels, our net interest income could also be negatively affected if competitive pressures keep us from further reducing rates on our deposits, while the yields on our assets decrease through loan prepayments and interest rate adjustments. Since our balance sheet is asset sensitive, a decrease in interest rates or a flattening or inversion of the yield curve could adversely affect us.

Market interest rate changes are unpredictable and caused by many factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions (inflation, recession, and unemployment), fiscal and monetary policy, and changes in the United States and other financial markets. In a rapidly changing interest rate environment, we may be unable to manage our interest rate risk effectively, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Our allowance for credit losses may prove inadequate.

The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and requires us to make various assumptions and estimates about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers, the value of the collateral securing our loans, our delinquency experience, economic conditions and trends, reasonable and supportable forecasts, and credit quality indicators (including past charge-off experience and levels of past due loans and nonperforming assets).We cannot assure that these assumptions and estimates will be adequate over time to cover expected credit losses in our portfolio. These assumptions and estimates may be affected by changes in the economy, market conditions, or events negatively impacting specific customers, industries or markets, or borrowers repaying their loans. If our allowance for credit losses on loans is not adequate, our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows could be adversely affected. In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for credit losses and may require an increase in the provision for credit losses or the recognition of further charge-offs. Any increases in the provision for credit losses will result in a decrease in net income and may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.


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On December 31, 2022, we ceased to be an Emerging Growth Company, and we implemented FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, a new guidance on accounting for current expected credit losses on financial instruments (“CECL”). This guidance substantially changed the accounting for credit losses on loans and other financial assets held by banks, financial institutions, and other organizations. The standard changed the previous incurred loss impairment methodology in GAAP. Under the incurred loss model, we recognized losses when they were incurred. On the other hand, CECL requires loans held for investment and debt securities held to maturity to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected (net of the allowance for credit losses). CECL generally results in earlier recognition of expected credit losses and may result in higher provision for credit losses and higher volatility in the quarterly provision for credit losses. Future provisions under the CECL model could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Our concentration of CRE loans could result in increased loan losses.

CRE is cyclical and poses risks of possible loss due to concentration levels and risks of the assets being financed. Disruptions in markets, economic conditions, including those resulting from a pandemic, changes in laws or regulations or other events could have a significant impact on the ability of our customers to repay and may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Our CRE loans included approximately $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion of fixed rate loans at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In a rising interest rate environment, fixed rate loans may adversely affect our margin and present asset/liability mismatches and risks since our liabilities are generally floating rate or have shorter maturities.

As of December 31, 2023, the Bank’s portfolio of CRE loans was 274.3% of its risk-based capital, or 38.4% of its total loans, as of December 31, 2023 compared to 289.1% of its risk-based capital, or 45.3% of its total loans, as of December 31, 2022. We cannot assure that our CRE concentration risk management program will effectively manage our CRE concentration.

CRE loans as well as other loans in our portfolio are secured by real estate. We may experience a significant level of nonperforming real estate loans if the economic conditions of the markets where we operate deteriorate, or in areas where real estate market conditions become distressed. The value of the collateral securing those loans and the revenue stream from those loans could be negatively impacted, and additional provisions for the allowance for credit losses could be required. Our ability to dispose of Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) properties at prices at or above the respective carrying values could also be impaired, causing additional losses.

In addition, if the United States economy returns to a recessionary state, management believes that it could significantly affect the economic conditions of the market areas we serve and we could experience significantly higher delinquencies and loan losses, and therefore impact our earnings and financial condition, including our capital and liquidity.

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Many of our loans are to commercial borrowers, which have unique risks compared to other types of loans.

As of December 31, 2023, approximately $2.3 billion, or 34%, and $1.5 billion, or 22%, of our loan portfolio was comprised of CRE loans and commercial loans, respectively. Since payments on these loans are often dependent on the successful operation or development of the property or business involved, their repayment is sensitive to adverse conditions in the real estate market and the general economy and the collateral securing these loans may not be sufficient to repay the loan in the event of default. Consequently, downturns in the real estate market and economy increase the risk related to commercial loans, including CRE loans. Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrowers’ ability to make repayment from their employment and other income and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial loans typically are made on the basis of the borrowers’ ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the commercial venture. Our commercial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the collateral underlying the loans. Most often, this collateral consists of accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Inventory and equipment may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. In some cases, the repossession of collateral may not be possible or may be delayed which could negatively impact the value we may realize from that collateral to repay the loan. If the cash flow from business operations is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. We attempt to mitigate this risk through our underwriting standards, including evaluating the creditworthiness of the borrower, and regular monitoring. However, these procedures cannot entirely eliminate the risk of loss associated with commercial lending. Due to the larger average size of each commercial loan as compared with other loans such as residential loans, as well as collateral that is generally less readily-marketable, losses incurred on a small number of commercial loans could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Also, the COVID-19 pandemic affected the markets where we operate, in particular, in the metropolitan New York area, where we no longer generate loans but still had loans held for investment as of December 31, 2023 totaling $217.0 million corresponding to commercial real estate properties, including retail and office properties. These properties have been, and may continue to be, negatively impacted by the consequences of the pandemic. If a decline in economic conditions, natural disasters affecting business development or other issues cause difficulties for our borrowers of these types of loans, if we fail to assess the credit of these loans accurately when underwriting them or if we fail to adequately continue to monitor the performance of these loans, our loan portfolio could experience delinquencies, defaults and credit losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Our valuation of securities and the determination of a credit loss allowance in our investment securities portfolio are subjective and, if changed, could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

Fixed-maturity securities, as well as short-term investments which are reported at estimated fair value, represent the majority of our total investments. We generally define fair value as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability. Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. During periods of market disruption (including periods of significantly rising or high interest rates, or rapidly widening credit spreads) certain asset classes may become illiquid and it may be difficult to value certain of our securities if trading becomes less frequent or market data becomes less observable. In those cases, the valuation process includes inputs that are less observable and require more subjectivity and management judgment. Valuations may result in estimated fair values which vary significantly from the amount at which the investments may ultimately be sold. Further, rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially affect the valuation of securities in our financial statements and the period-to-period changes in estimated fair value could vary significantly.

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As of December 31, 2023, the fair value of the Company’s debt securities available for sale was approximately $1.2 billion, compared to $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2023 debt securities available-for-sale had net unrealized holding losses of $100.3 million ($113.0 million in 2022) and net unrealized holding gains of $3.2 million ($1.0 million in 2022). In 2023, the Company recorded pre-tax net unrealized holding losses of $14.9 million ($127.7 million in 2022) which are included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the period. These unrealized losses were mainly attributable to increases in market interest rates during the periods which translated into a decline in the estimated fair value of debt securities markets.

Beginning January 1, 2022, debt securities available for sale are analyzed for credit losses under the new guidance on accounting for CECL, which requires the Company to determine whether the securities are considered impaired because their fair value is below their amortized cost basis as of the reporting date, and whether there is a need of a credit loss allowance. An allowance for credit losses is established for losses on debt securities available for sale due to credit losses and is reported as a component of provision for credit losses. Accrued interest is excluded from our expected credit loss estimates. In 2023, the Company did not record an allowance for estimated credit losses on any of its debt securities available for sale. For more information about CECL, see Note 1 of our audited consolidated financial statements in this Form-10-K. Prior to January 1, 2022, our debt securities classified as available for sale or held to maturity were generally evaluated for other than temporary impairment under the applicable accounting guidance.

The valuation of our investment portfolio is also influenced by external market and other factors, including implementation of SEC and FASB guidance on fair value accounting. Accordingly, if market conditions deteriorate further and/or accounting guidance is updated and we determine our holdings of investment securities have experienced credit losses, our future earnings, financial condition, regulatory capital and continuing operations could be materially adversely affected.

Nonperforming and similar assets take significant time to resolve and may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows .

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, our nonperforming loans totaled $34.4 million and $37.6 million, respectively, or 0.47% and 0.54% of total loans, respectively. We had no OREO balances at December 31, 2023 and 2022. Our non-performing assets may adversely affect our net income in various ways. We do not record interest income on nonaccrual loans or OREO, and these assets require higher loan administration and other costs, thereby adversely affecting our income. Decreases in the value of these assets, or the underlying collateral, or in the related borrowers’ performance or financial condition, whether or not due to economic and market conditions beyond our control, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Any increase in our nonperforming assets and related increases in our provision for credit losses could negatively affect our business and could have a material adverse effect on our capital, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the resolution of nonperforming assets requires commitments of time from management, which can be detrimental to their other responsibilities. We cannot assure you we will not experience increases in nonperforming loans, OREO and similar nonperforming assets in the future.

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We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities.

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. During our ordinary course of business, we may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. There is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require the Company to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws and regulations may increase our exposure to environmental liability. Environmental reviews of real property before initiating foreclosure may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Deterioration in the real estate markets, including the secondary market for residential mortgage loans, can adversely affect us.

A decrease in residential real estate market prices or lower levels of home sales, could result in lower single family home values, adversely affecting the value of collateral securing residential mortgage loans and residential property collateral securing loans that we hold, mortgage loan originations and gains on the sale of mortgage loans. A decline in real estate prices increases delinquencies and losses on certain mortgage loans, generally, and particularly on second lien mortgages and home equity lines of credit. A substantial portion of our single family loans consist of jumbo loans, and the secondary market for jumbo mortgages has historically been less liquid compared to conforming loans. Significant ongoing disruptions in the secondary market for residential mortgage loans can limit the market for and liquidity of most residential mortgage loans other than conforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. Deteriorating trends could occur, including declines in real estate values, home sales volumes, financial stress on borrowers as a result of a merger, consolidationjob losses, increase in interest rates or otherwise that significantlyother factors. These could adversely impact borrowers and result in higher delinquencies and greater charge-offs in future periods, which would adversely affectsaffect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In the rightsevent our allowance for credit losses on these loans is insufficient to cover such losses, our business, financial condition, results of operations, or voting powerscash flows could be adversely affected.


Risks Related to Our Business and Operations

Many of our sharesmajor systems depend on and are operated by third-party vendors, and any systems failures or interruptions could adversely affect our operations and the services we provide to our customers.

We outsource many of Class B common stock.our major systems and critical back-office operations, such as data processing, recording, and monitoring transactions, online banking interfaces and service, internet connections and network access. For example, we entered into a new multi-year outsourcing agreement with the world's largest provider of banking and payments technology, to assume full responsibility over a significant number of the Bank’s support functions and staff, including certain critical back-office operations. In November 2023 we transitioned our entire core banking system to the one this vendor offers and services. An interruption or failure of the services we receive through these outsourced systems could cause an interruption of our operations. The occurrence of any systems failure or interruption could damage our reputation and result in a loss of customers and business, could subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or could expose us to legal liability. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

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Our information systems are exposed to cybersecurity threats and may experience interruptions and security breaches that could adversely affect our business and reputation.

We rely heavily on communications and information systems, including those provided by third-party service providers, to conduct our business. Any failure, interruption, or security breach of these systems could result in failures or disruptions which could impact our ability to serve our customers, operate our business and affect our customers’ privacy and could damage our reputation, result in a loss of business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny or enforcement or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability. Our systems and networks, as well as those of our third-party service providers, are subject to security risks and could be susceptible to cyberattacks by third parties, including through coordinated attacks sponsored by foreign nations and criminal organizations to disrupt business operations and other compromises to data and systems for political or criminal purposes. Cyber threats are rapidly evolving and we may not be able to anticipate or prevent all such attacks and could be held liable for any security breach or loss. These risks have increased with the implementation of remote and/or hybrid work protocols and may continue to increase in the future as the use of mobile banking and other internet-based products and services continues to grow.

For example, in August 2022 and November 2023, we were notified by different third-party vendors that they had experienced potential cybersecurity incidents. On both occasions, we activated our incident response plan and the vendors completed forensic analyses to determine whether information from the Bank's customers was accessed and exfiltrated in an unauthorized manner. Once the forensic analyses were completed, we worked with the vendors and outside advisors to determine the appropriate course of action, including having the vendors provide notice to our affected customers and offer free credit monitoring services when appropriate. Our business, financial condition, or results of operations were not materially adversely affected by these cybersecurity incidents. We are not aware of any continuing cybersecurity threats or breaches involving these vendors, however, we, as well as our customers, regulators, and service providers, have experienced and will likely continue to experience a significant increase in information security and cybersecurity threats and attacks, see Item 1C. Cybersecurity for an additional discussion on our information security program.

Despite our cybersecurity policies and procedures and our efforts to monitor and ensure the integrity of our and our service providers’ systems, we may not be able to anticipate all types of security threats, nor may we be able to implement preventive measures effective against all such security threats. In addition, the impact and severity of a particular cyberattack may not be immediately clear, and it may take a significant amount of time before such determination can be made. While the investigation of a cyberattack is ongoing, we may not be fully aware of the extent of the harm caused by the cyberattack and it may not be clear how to contain and remediate such harm and any damage may continue to spread.

Security breaches or failures may have serious adverse financial and other consequences, including significant legal and remediation costs, disruption of operations, misappropriation of confidential information, damage to systems operated by us or our third-party service providers, as well as damaging our customers and our counterparties. Such losses and claims may not be covered by our insurance. In addition to the immediate costs of any failure, interruption or security breach, including those at our third-party service providers, these events could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could adversely affect on business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Our strategic plan and growth strategy may not be achieved as quickly or as fully as we seek.

The implementation of our strategic plan and growth strategy may take longer than we anticipate to implement, and the results we achieve may not be as successful as we seek, all of which could adversely affect our business, financial conditions, results of operations, or cash flows. Additionally, the results of our strategic plan and growth strategy are subject to the other risks described herein that affect our business, which include: lending, interest rate risk, seeking deposits and wealth management clients in highly competitive domestic markets; our ability to achieve our growth plans or to manage our growth effectively; the benefits from our technology investments, including the benefits and cost savings we expect to achieve from our outsourcing relationship with FIS, may take longer than expected to be realized and may not be as large as expected, or may require additional investments; and if we are unable to reduce our cost structure, we may not be able to meet our profitability objectives.
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Defaults by or deteriorating asset quality of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk and losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Any such losses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We also may have exposure to these financial institutions in the form of unsecured debt instruments, derivatives and other securities. Further, potential action by governments and regulatory bodies in response to financial crises affecting the global and U.S. banking systems and financial markets, such as nationalization, conservatorship, receivership and other intervention, or lack of action by governments and central banks, as well as deterioration in the banks’ creditworthiness, could adversely affect the value and/or liquidity of these instruments, securities, transactions and investments or limit our ability to trade with them. Any losses or impairments to the carrying value of these investments or other changes may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. The events in 2023 resulting in the failure of several banks in the U.S. may also result in potentially adverse changes to laws or regulations governing banks and bank holding companies or result in the imposition of restrictions through supervisory or enforcement activities, including higher capital requirements, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

New lines of business, new products and services, or strategic project initiatives may subject us to additional risks.

We periodically evaluate our service offerings and, occasionally, may seek to implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, including external factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences, that may impact the successful implementation of a new line of business and/or a new product or service. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services, we may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved, and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible, which could in turn have a material negative effect on our operating results. Additionally, any new line of business and/or new product or service could require the establishment of new key and other controls and have a significant impact on our existing system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business and/or new products or services could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

We face significant operational risks.

We operate many different financial service functions and rely on the ability of our employees, third party vendors and systems to process a significant number of transactions. Operational risk is the risk of loss from operations, including fraud by employees or outside persons, employees’ execution of incorrect or unauthorized transactions, data processing and technology errors or hacking and breaches of internal control systems. These risks have increased in light of remote and hybrid work arrangements that were implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and currently remain in effect.

We may not have the ability or resources to keep pace with rapid technological changes in the financial services industry or implement new technology effectively.

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to allowing us to service our clients better, the effective use of technology may increase efficiency and may enable financial institutions to reduce costs and the risks associated with fraud and other operational risks. Our future success will partially depend upon our ability to use technology effectively. We may be unable to effectively implement new technology-driven enhancements of products and services as quickly or at the costs anticipated, which could impair our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from such new technology or require us to incur significant costs to remedy any such challenges in a timely manner.

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Many larger competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements and, increasingly, non-banking firms are using technology to compete with traditional lenders for loans and other banking services. Third parties and vendors upon which we rely for our technology needs may not be able to develop, on a cost-effective basis, systems that will enable us to keep pace with such developments. As a result, virtuallyour larger competitors may be able to offer additional or superior products compared to those that we will be able to provide, which would put us at a competitive disadvantage. We may lose customers seeking new technology-driven products and services to the extent we are unable to provide such products and services. The ability to keep pace with technological change is important and the failure to do so could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Conditions in Venezuela could adversely affect our operations.

At December 31, 2023, 24% of our deposits, or approximately $1.9 billion, were from Venezuelan residents. The Bank’s Venezuelan deposits have declined from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2023 (see Deposits by Country of Domicile in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations). These declines were due in part to actions by the Company to reduce its compliance costs and to economic conditions in Venezuela that adversely impact our Venezuelan customers’ ability to generate and save U.S. dollars. All of the Bank’s deposits are denominated in U.S. Dollars. Adverse economic conditions in Venezuela may continue to negatively affect our Venezuelan deposit base, as customers residing in Venezuela rely on their U.S. Dollar deposits to fund living expenses and other necessities without being able to generate additional U.S. Dollars.

In addition, although we seek to increase our trust, brokerage and investment advisory business from our domestic markets, substantially all matters submittedour revenue from these services currently is from Venezuelan customers. Economic and other conditions in Venezuela, or U.S. regulations or sanctions affecting the services we may provide to our shareholdersVenezuelan customers may adversely affect the amounts of assets we manage or custody, and the trading volumes of our Venezuelan customers, reducing fees and commissions we earn from these businesses, and may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Our ability to achieve our environmental, social and governance goals are subject to risks, many of which are outside of our control, and our reputation could be harmed if we fail to meet such goals.

Companies across all industries are facing scrutiny from stakeholders related to ESG matters, including practices and disclosures related to environmental stewardship; social responsibility; diversity, equity and inclusion; and workplace rights. Our ability to achieve our ESG targets, including our goal to have offered $500 million in sustainable financing by 2025, and our plan to lead us to carbon-neutral operations by 2030 along with our other ESG targets for 2024-2030, and to accurately and transparently report our progress presents numerous operational, financial, legal and other risks, may be dependent on the actions of third parties, all of which are outside of our control. If we are unable to meet our ESG targets or stakeholder expectations and industry standards, or if we are perceived to have not responded appropriately, our reputation could be negatively impacted. In addition, in recent years, investor advocacy groups and certain institutional investors have placed increasing importance on ESG matters. If, as a result of their assessment of our ESG practices, certain investors are unsatisfied with our actions or progress, they may reconsider their investment in our company. As the nature, scope and complexity of ESG reporting, diligence and disclosure requirements expand, including the SEC’s proposed disclosure requirements regarding, among other matters, Greenhouse gas emissions, we may have to undertake additional costs to control, assess and report on ESG metrics. Any failure or perceived failure, whether or not valid, to pursue or fulfill our ESG goals, targets and objectives or to satisfy various ESG reporting standards within the timelines we announce, or at all, could increase the risk of litigation.


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We may be unable to attract and retain key people to support our business.

Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to attract and retain experienced personnel in key positions. Intense competition exists in the activities and markets that we serve for candidates with appropriate qualifications and demonstrated ability. If we are unable to hire and retain key individuals, we may be unable to implement our business strategy and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be negatively impacted. Our ability to attract and retain employees could also be impacted by changing workforce expectations, practices, and preferences, including remote work and hybrid work preferences, and increasing labor shortages and competition for labor, which could increase labor costs. Failure to attract well-qualified employees or to develop and retain our employees may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Severe weather, natural disasters, global pandemics, acts of war or terrorism, theft, civil unrest, government expropriation or other external events could have significant effects on our business.

Severe weather and natural disasters, (including hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires, droughts and floods), acts of war or terrorism (such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and hostilities in Israel and surrounding areas), epidemics and global pandemics (such as the recent COVID-19 outbreak), theft, civil unrest, government expropriation, condemnation or other external events in the markets where we operate or where our customers live (including Venezuela) could have a significant effect on our ability to conduct business. Such events could affect the stability of our deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, impair employee productivity, result in loss of revenue and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. The occurrence of any such event could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Our business is mainly concentrated in two markets: South Florida, and the Houston, Texas area, which may increase our risks from extreme weather. These two market areas are susceptible to hurricanes, tropical storms and other similar severe weather events which could have the effects indicated above. Additionally, the potential for such weather events has and may continue to cause our customers to incur higher property and casualty insurance premiums which may adversely affect the value and sales of real estate in the markets we operate. Additionally, the impact of severe weather in the markets where we operate has and may continue to increase the cost and reduce the availability of insurance needed for our business operations.

Any failure to protect the confidentiality of customer information could adversely affect our reputation and subject us to financial sanctions and other costs that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Various federal, state and foreign laws enforced by the bank regulators and other agencies protect the privacy and security of customers’ non-public personal information. Many of our employees have access to, and routinely process, sensitive personal customer information, including through their access to information technology systems. An employee could, intentionally or unintentionally, disclose or misappropriate confidential client information or our data could be the subject of a cybersecurity attack (including intrusion by hackers, and phishing attacks). If we or any of our third party vendors are subject to a successful cyberattack or fail to maintain adequate internal controls, or if our employees fail to comply with our policies and procedures, misappropriation or intentional or unintentional inappropriate disclosure or misuse of client information could occur. Such cyberattacks, if they result from internal control inadequacies or non-compliance, could materially damage our reputation, lead to civil or criminal penalties, or both, which, in turn, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.


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We could be required to write down our goodwill and other intangible assets.
We had goodwill of $19.2 million and other intangible assets of $5.8 million at December 31, 2023. Our business acquisitions typically have resulted in goodwill and other intangible assets, which affect the amount of future amortization expense and potential impairment expense. We make estimates and assumptions in valuing such goodwill and intangible assets that affect our consolidated financial statements. In accordance with GAAP, our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired. The estimated fair value is affected by the performance of the business, which may be especially diminished by prolonged market declines. If the goodwill has been impaired, we must write down the goodwill by the amount of the impairment, with a corresponding charge to net income. Based on the annual impairment analysis, as of December 31, 2023, we recorded a $1.7 million pre-tax write off in goodwill and other intangibles assets. If we record any future impairment loss related to our goodwill or other intangible assets, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the results of impairment testing on our goodwill or other intangible assets have no impact on our tangible book value or regulatory capital levels.

We have a net deferred tax asset that may or may not be fully realized.

Deferred income tax represents the tax effect of the timing differences between financial accounting and tax reporting. Deferred tax assets, or DTAs, are assessed periodically by management to determine whether they are realizable. Factors in management’s determination include the performance of the business, including the ability to generate future taxable income. Realizing a deferred tax asset requires us to apply significant judgment and such judgment is inherently speculative because it requires estimates that cannot be made with certainty. If, based on available information, it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax asset will not be realized, then a valuation allowance must be established with a corresponding charge to net income. Such charges could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In addition, changes in the corporate tax rates could affect the value of our DTAs and may require a write-off of a portion of some of those assets. At December 31, 2023, we had net DTAs with a book value of $55.6 million, based on a U.S. corporate income tax rate of 21%. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

We may incur losses due to minority investments in fintech and specialty finance companies.

From time to time, we may make or consider making minority investments in fintech and specialty finance companies. If we do so, we may not be able to influence the activities of companies in which we invest and may suffer losses due to these activities. For example, the companies we invest in may have economic or business interests, values, or goals that are inconsistent or conflict with ours, which could damage our reputation or business. Additionally, the companies we invest in may experience financial difficulties, default on their obligations, diminished liquidity or insolvency; or our management team’s distraction relative to the potential financial benefit may be disproportional. In addition, although we may seek board representation in connection with certain investments, we cannot assure you that such representation will be decided byobtained or that such representation will result in Amerant having a meaningful say in the voteBoard decisions of holderssuch company. If the companies we invest in seek additional financing in the future to fund their growth strategies, these financing transactions may result in dilution to our ownership stakes and these transactions may occur at lower valuations than the investment transaction through which we acquired such ownership interest, which could significantly decrease the fair value of our sharesinvestment in those entities. We may also be unable to dispose of Class Aour minority investments within our contemplated time horizon or at all. Our inability to dispose of our minority investment in an entity or a downward adjustment to or impairment of an equity investment could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.


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We are subject to risks associated with sub-leasing portions of our corporate headquarters building.

In December 2021, we sold our approximately 177,000 square foot headquarters building (the “Property”) and entered into an 18-year triple net lease for the Property (the “Lease”) at an initial base rent of $7,500,000 per year (escalating 1.5% each year), under which we are also responsible for the Property’s insurance, real estate taxes, and maintenance and repair expenses. During the term of the Lease, we have the right to sublet the whole or any part of the Property.

While we occupy and we expect to continue to occupy a portion of the Property, we also currently sublease and intend to continue to sublease a significant portion of the Property to third parties. When we sublease spaces in the Property to third parties, we are not released from our underlying obligations under the Lease. We rely on the sublease income from subtenants to offset the expenses incurred related to our obligations under the Lease. Although we assess the financial condition of each subtenant to which we sublease space in the Property, the financial condition of each such subtenant or of a sublease guarantor(s), if any, may deteriorate over time. If a subtenant of the Property does not perform under the terms of a sublease agreement (due to its financial condition or other factors), we may not be able to recover amounts owed to us under the terms of each sublease agreement or the related guarantees, if any. If subtenants default or terminate their subleases with us, we may experience a loss of planned sublease rental income, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Additionally, if subtenants default on their sublease obligations with us or otherwise terminate their sublease agreement with us, we may be unable to secure a new subtenant on a timely basis, or at all, on the same or more favorable rent terms.

Our success depends on our ability to compete effectively in highly competitive markets.

The Florida and Houston, Texas banking markets in which we do business are highly competitive; therefore, our future growth and success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in these markets. We compete for deposits, loans, and other financial services in our markets with other local, regional and national commercial banks, thrifts, credit unions, mortgage lenders, trust services providers and securities advisory and brokerage firms. Marketplace lenders operating nationwide over the internet are also growing rapidly, other fintech developments, including blockchain and other technologies, may potentially disrupt the financial services industry and impact the way banks do business. Many of our competitors offer products and services different from us, and have substantially greater resources, name recognition and market presence than we do, which benefits them in attracting business. In addition, larger competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we are able to and have broader and more diverse customer and geographic bases to draw upon.


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Risks Related to Risk Management, Internal Audit, Internal and Disclosure Controls

Potential gaps in our risk management policies and internal audit procedures may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risk, which could negatively affect our business.

Our enterprise risk management and internal audit programs are designed to mitigate material risks. There may be inherent limitations to our current and future risk management strategies, including risks that we have not appropriately anticipated or identified. Additionally, our internal audit process may fail to detect such weaknesses or deficiencies in our risk management framework. Many of our methods for managing risk and exposures are based on observed historical market behavior to model or project potential future exposure. Models used by our business are based on assumptions and projections. These models may not operate properly, or our inputs and assumptions may be inaccurate or not be adopted quickly enough to reflect changes in behavior, markets, or technology. As a result, these methods may not fully predict future exposures, which can be significantly different and greater than historical measures indicate. In addition, our business and the markets in which we operate are continuously evolving, and we may fail to fully understand the implications of changes in our business or the financial markets or fail to adequately or timely enhance our enterprise risk framework to address those changes. Furthermore, we cannot assure that we can effectively review and monitor all risks or that all of our employees will closely follow our risk management policies and procedures, or that our risk management policies and procedures will enable us to accurately identify all risks and limit timely our exposures based on our assessments. If our enterprise risk management framework proves ineffective, we could suffer unexpected losses, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Any failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could impair the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business, impair investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and our access to the capital markets and cause the price of our common stock to decline and subject us to regulatory penalties.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, or ICFR and for evaluating and reporting on that system of internal control. Our ICFR is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the marketpreparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to furnish annually a report by management on the effectiveness of our ICFR. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm is required to report on the effectiveness of our ICFR.
If we fail to implement and maintain effective ICFR, our ability to accurately and timely report our financial results could be impaired, which could result in late filings of our periodic reports under the Exchange Act, restatements of our consolidated financial statements, and suspension or delisting of our common stock from the New York Stock Exchange. Such events could harm our business, cause investors to lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our reported financial information, cause the trading price of our shares of Class B common stock to decline, our access to the capital markets or other financing sources could be limited and subject us to investigations, enforcement actions or regulatory penalties.

Changes in accounting standards could materially impact our financial statements

From time to time, accounting standards setters change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. These changes can be difficult to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in changes to previously reported financial results or a cumulative charge to retained earnings. See Note 1 - Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 15.1 Consolidated Financial Statements in this report for further information regarding accounting standards updates.
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Risks Related to External and Market Factors

Material and negative developments adversely affected. impacting the financial services industry at large and causing volatility in financial markets and the economy may have materially adverse effects on our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations.

CertainThe actual occurrence or widespread concerns regarding the potential occurrence of illiquidity, operational failures, defaults, non-performance or other material and adverse developments that impact financial institutions and transactional counterparties, or other entities within the financial services industry at large, have previously caused, and could continue to cause, market-wide liquidity issues, bank-runs and general contagion across the global and U.S. financial services industry. For example, in March and April 2023, bank runs precipitated the failure of four banks in the U.S. causing a state of volatility in the capital and credit markets and uncertainty regarding the health of the U.S. banking system, particularly around liquidity, uninsured deposits and customer concentrations. This volatility has particularly impacted the price of securities issued by financial institutions, including ours. While the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC acted promptly and collectively agreed to guarantee all deposits over the limit on insured deposits of $250,000 at three of these failed financial institutions, and the FDIC secured an agreement with a large financial institution for that institution to assume all of the deposits and substantially all of the assets of another failed institution, there can be no assurance that there will not be additional bank failures or issues in the broader financial system. Similarly, there can be no assurance that these U.S. government entities will act in a similar fashion in the event of the future closure or failure of any other banks or financial institutions. The cost of resolving the recent bank failures may prompt the FDIC to charge higher premiums above the current levels or to issue additional special assessments.

Adverse financial market and economic conditions may continue to exert downward pressure on the prices of stock and other securities and negatively impact credit availability for certain issuers, including us, without regard to their underlying financial strength. Additionally, these developments have negatively impacted customer confidence in the safety and soundness of banks. As a result, customers may choose to maintain deposits with large financial institutions or invest in higher yielding short-term fixed income securities, all of which could materially adversely impact the Company's liquidity, loan funding capacity, net interest margin, capital and results of operations. If the current levels of financial market and economic disruption, volatility and decreased levels of customer confidence continue or worsen, there can be no assurance that we will not experience adverse effects, which may materially impact our liquidity, business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our business may be adversely affected by economic conditions in general and by conditions in the financial markets.

We are exposed to downturns in the U.S. economy and market conditions generally. We cannot accurately predict the possibility of the national or local economy’s return to a period of economic weakness or to recessionary conditions. Our primary markets are concentrated the in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Hillsborough (Tampa) counties in Florida, and Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend and Waller counties in Texas. Adverse economic conditions in any of these areas and in the national economy may impact us significantly and unpredictably. We may face the following particular risks: the demand for loans and our other products and services could decline, market developments may negatively affect industries we extend credit to and may result in increased delinquencies and default rates, which, among other effects, could negatively impact our charge-offs and allowance for credit losses; market disruptions could make valuation of assets more difficult and subjective and may negatively affect our ability to measure the fair value of our existing shareholdersassets; and, loan performance could exertdeteriorate, loan default levels and foreclosure activity increase and or our assets could materially decline in value. Any of these risks individually or a combination could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Moreover, a potential U.S. federal government shutdown resulting from budgetary decisions, a prolonged continuing resolution, breach of the federal debt ceiling, or a potential U.S. sovereign default and the uncertainty surrounding the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election may increase uncertainty and volatility in the global economy and financial markets. In addition, international economic uncertainty could also impact the U.S. financial markets by potentially suppressing stock prices, including ours, and adding to overall market volatility, which could adversely affect our business. The effects of any economic downturn could continue for many years after the downturn is considered to have ended.
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Weak economic conditions or significant control overuncertainty regarding the Company.stability of financial markets related to stock market volatility, inflation, recession, or governmental fiscal, monetary and tax policies, among others, could adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Risks Related to Regulatory and Legal Matters

We are subject to extensive regulation that could limit or restrict our activities and adversely affect our earnings.

Several regulators, including the Federal Reserve, the OCC, the FDIC, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, regulate us and our subsidiaries. Our success is impacted by regulations affecting banks and bank holding companies, and the securities markets, and our costs of compliance could adversely affect our earnings. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors, consumers and the FDIC’s DIF, not shareholders. The financial services industry also is subject to frequent legislative and regulatory changes. The nature, effects and timing of legislative and regulatory changes, cannot be predicted. Changes, if adopted, could require us to maintain more capital, liquidity, or adopt changes to our operating policies and procedures and risk controls which could adversely affect our growth, profitability and financial condition. Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is time consuming and costly and may affect our profitability.

Additionally, banks with greater than $10 billion in total consolidated assets are subject to additional regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2023, our total assets were $9.7 billion. Based on our current total assets and growth strategy, we anticipate our total assets may exceed $10 billion in 2024. In addition to our current regulatory requirements, banks with $10 billion or more in total assets are, among other things: examined directly by the CFPB with respect to various federal consumer financial laws; subject to reduced dividends on the Bank’s holdings of Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta common stock; subject to limits on interchange fees pursuant to the “Durbin Amendment” to the Dodd-Frank Act; subject to certain enhanced prudential standards; and no longer treated as a “small institution” for FDIC deposit insurance assessment purposes.

Compliance with these additional ongoing requirements may necessitate additional personnel, the design and implementation of additional internal controls, or may result in other significant expenses, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Changes in federal, state or local tax laws, or audits from tax authorities, could negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

We are subject to changes in tax law that could increase our effective tax rates. These law changes may be retroactive to previous periods and as a result could negatively affect our current and future financial performance. In particular, the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law in the United States in August 2022, among other things, imposes a surcharge on stock repurchases. Changes to our tax liability could have a material effect on our results of operations. In addition, our customers are subject to a wide variety of federal, state and local taxes. Changes in taxes paid by our customers may affect their ability to purchase homes or consumer products and could also make some businesses and industries less inclined to borrow, potentially reducing demand for our loans and deposit products. In addition, such negative effects on our customers could result in defaults on the loans we have made which would reduce our profitability and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
We are also subject to potential tax audits in various jurisdictions and in such event, tax authorities may disagree with certain positions we have taken and assess penalties or additional taxes. While we assess regularly the likely outcomes of these potential audits, there can be no assurance that we will accurately predict the outcome of a potential audit, and an audit could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

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Litigation and regulatory investigations are increasingly common in our businesses and may result in significant financial losses and/or harm to our reputation.

We face risks of litigation and regulatory investigations and actions, including the risk of class action lawsuits. Plaintiffs in class action and other lawsuits against us may seek very large or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages. Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain.
A substantial legal liability or a significant federal, state or regulatory action, inquiry or investigation could harm our reputation, result in material fines, penalties, or legal costs, divert management resources away from our business, and otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Even if we ultimately prevail in a litigation, regulatory action or investigation, our ability to attract new customers, retain our current customers and recruit and retain employees could be adversely affected. Regulatory inquiries and litigation may also adversely affect the prices or volatility of our securities specifically, or the securities of our industry, generally.
We are subject to capital adequacy and liquidity standards, and if we fail to meet these standards, whether due to losses, growth opportunities or an inability to raise additional capital or otherwise, our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows would be adversely affected.
We, as a bank holding company, and the Bank are subject to capital rules of the Federal Reserve and the OCC, that implement a set of capital requirements issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision known as Basel III. See “Supervision and Regulation—Capital Requirements.” The regulatory capital rules applicable to us and the Bank may continue to change. We cannot predict the effect on us and the Bank of changes to the current capital requirements.

Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend, among other, on the capital market conditions and on our financial condition and performance. Any failure to remain “well capitalized” for bank regulatory purposes could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows, In addition, any failure to meet these capital and other regulatory requirements could affect our customers’ confidence, our cost of and availability of funds or FDIC deposit insurance premiums; and our ability to grow, raise, rollover or replace brokered deposits; make acquisitions, open new branches or engage in new activities; make payments of principal and interest on our debt instruments; and pay dividends on our capital stock.

Increases in FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments could adversely affect our financial condition.

FDIC insurance premiums we pay may change and be significantly higher in the future. The FDIC may be forced to charge higher premiums in the future if market developments significantly deplete the insurance fund of the FDIC and reduce the ratio of reserves to insured deposits. In addition, the method that the FDIC uses to determine the amount of our deposit insurance premium will change once our total consolidated assets exceed $10 billion, which we expect may happen in 2024. Any increases in our assessment rate, future special assessments, or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums could reduce our profitability or limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
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Federal banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of our business, including our compliance with laws and regulations, and our failure to comply with any regulatory actions, if any, could adversely impact us.
The Federal Reserve and the OCC periodically conduct examinations of our business and the Bank’s business, including compliance with laws and regulations. A federal banking agency may take such remedial actions as it deems appropriate, if, as a result of an examination, it were to determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, asset concentrations, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, asset sensitivity, risk management or other aspects of any of our operations have become unsatisfactory, or that we or our management were in violation of any law or regulation. If we become subject to such regulatory actions, our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows and reputation would likely be adversely affected.

The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support the Bank.

As a matter of policy, the Federal Reserve, which examines us, expects a bank holding company to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to a subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support such subsidiary bank. The Federal Reserve may require a bank holding company to inject capital into a troubled subsidiary bank. In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Act, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act, requires that all companies that control an FDIC-insured depository institution must serve as a source of financial strength to the depository institution. Under this requirement, we could be required to provide financial assistance to the Bank should it experience financial distress, even if further investments were not otherwise warranted. See “Source of Strength in Supervision and Regulation.”
We may face higher risks of noncompliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations than other financial institutions.

The USA Patriot and BSA and the related federal regulations require banks to establish anti-money laundering programs that include, policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to verify the identity of their customers and of beneficial owners of their legal entity customers. In addition, FinCEN, which was established as part of the Treasury Department to combat money laundering, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of anti-money laundering rules.
The Bank is also subject to regulatory scrutiny of compliance with the rules of the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC which administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals, including sanctions against foreign countries, regimes and individuals, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and those involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Executive Orders have sanctioned the Venezuelan government and entities it owns, and certain Venezuelan persons. In addition, the OCC has broad authority to bring enforcement actions and to impose monetary penalties if it finds deficiencies in the Bank’s compliance with anti-money laundering laws.
Monitoring compliance with anti-money laundering and OFAC rules is complex and expensive. The risk of noncompliance with such rules can be more acute for financial institutions like us that have numerous customers from Latin America or who do business there. As of March 5, 2021,December 31, 2023, $1.9 billion, or 23.7%, of our total deposits were from residents of Venezuela. Our total loan exposure to international markets, primarily individuals in Venezuela and corporations in other Latin American countries, was $87.6 million, or less than 1.5%, of our total loans, at December 31, 2023.

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If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient or fail to prevent violations of law or the policies, procedures and systems of the financial institutions that we may acquire in the future are deficient, we would be subject to liability (including fines); formal regulatory enforcement actions (including possible cease and desist orders, restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, regulatory limitations on implementing certain aspects of our business plan, including acquisitions or banking center relocation or expansion); and additional expenses to cure any deficiency, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Failures to comply with the fair lending laws, CFPB regulations or the Community Reinvestment Act, or CRA, could adversely affect us.
The Bank is subject to the provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, or ECOA, and the Fair Housing Act, both of which prohibit discrimination based on race or color, religion, national origin, sex and familial status in any aspect of a consumer, commercial credit or residential real estate transaction. Failures to comply with ECOA, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations, including CFPB regulations, could subject us to enforcement actions or litigation, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Our Bank is also subject to the CRA, and periodic CRA examinations by the OCC. The CRA requires us to serve our entire communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Our CRA ratings could be adversely affected by actual or alleged violations of the fair lending or consumer financial protection laws. Violations of fair lending laws or if our CRA rating falls to less than “satisfactory” could adversely affect our business, including expansion through branching or acquisitions.

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
Our principal shareholders and management own a significant percentage of our shares of voting common stock and will be able to exert significant control over matters subject to shareholder approval.

As of December 31, 2023, our executive officers, directors and certaineach of our greater than 5% holders of our voting Class A common stock beneficially ownsowned outstanding shares representing, in the aggregate, approximately 21%33% of the outstanding shares of our voting Class A common stock (without giving effect to the broad family holdings of the Capriles, Marturet and Vollmer families which will bring the percentage to an aggregate of approximately 33%55%).) As a result, these shareholders, if they act individually or together, may exert a significant degree of influence over our management and affairs and over matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions.transactions, such as mergers, the sale of substantially all of our assets and other extraordinary corporate matters. Furthermore, the interests of this concentration of ownershipthese shareholders may not always coincide with the interests of other shareholders, including you and, accordingly, they could cause us to enter into transactions or agreements which we might not otherwise consider or prevent us from adopting actions that we might otherwise implement. This concentration of ownership of the Company’s shares of Class A common stock may delay or prevent a merger or acquisition or other transaction resulting in a change in control of the Company even when other shareholders may consider the transaction beneficial, and might adversely affect the market price of our shares of Class A and Class B common stock.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the priceThe rights of our common stock and trading volume could decline.shareholders are subordinate to the holders of any debt securities that we have issued or may issue from time to time.

The trading market forAs of December 31, 2023, we had outstanding an aggregate principal amount of $60.0 million of senior notes with a coupon rate of 5.75% and a maturity date of June 30, 2025 (the “Senior Notes”); an aggregate principal amount of $30.0 million of 4.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due March 15, 2032 (the “Subordinated Notes”); and an aggregate principal amount of $64.2 million in junior subordinated debentures (the “Debentures”). Because these debt instruments rank senior to our common stock, depends in partif we fail to timely make principal and interest payments on the researchSenior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If few securities or industry analysts cover us, the trading price forDebentures, we may not pay any dividends on our common stock may be adversely affected.If onestock. Further, if we declare bankruptcy, dissolve, or moreliquidate, the holders of the analysts who covers us downgrades our common stock or publishes incorrect or unfavorable research about our business,Senior Notes, the priceSubordinated Notes and the Debentures must be satisfied before any distributions can be made to the holders of our common stock would likely decline.stock.

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Table of ContentsIf one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of the Company or fails to publish reports on us regularly, or downgrades our common stock, demand for our common stock could decrease, which could cause the price of our common stock or trading volume to decline.
The stock price of financial institutions, like Amerant, may fluctuate significantly.

We cannot predict the prices at which our Company shares of common stock will continue to trade. You should consider an investment in our common stock to be risky. The trading price may be highly volatile, which may make it difficult for you to resell your shares at the volume, prices and times desired. There are many factors that may affect the market price and trading volume of our shares of common stock, is subject to wide fluctuations and may be subject to fluctuations in the future. The market price of our common stock could be subject to significant variations in response to, among other things,including the factors described in this “Risk Factors” section, and other factors, somemost of which are beyond our control, including:
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results due to factors related to our business;
the success or failureoutside of our business strategies;
quarterly or annual earnings and earnings expectations for our industry, and for us;
our ability to obtain financing as needed;
our announcements or our competitors’ announcements regarding new products or services, enhancements, significant contracts, acquisitions or strategic investments;
changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;
changes in tax laws;
changes in analysts’ recommendations or projections;
the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;
investor perceptions of the Company and the banking industry;
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our profile, dividend policy or market capitalization may not fit the investment objectives of a large number of shareholders, many of whom are Venezuelans who became shareholders as a result of the Spin-off;
events affecting our shareholders in Venezuela, including hyperinflation and currency controls;
the intent of our shareholders, including institutional investors, to hold or sell their Company Shares;
fluctuations in the stock markets or in the values of financial institution stocks, generally;
changes in laws and regulations, including banking laws and regulations, affecting our business; and
general economic conditions and other external factors.control.
Stock markets in general have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company or industry. These broad market fluctuations, as well as general economic, systemic, political and market conditions, including recessions, loss of investor confidence, and interest rate changes, may negatively affect the market price of our common stock. Increased market volatility may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock, which could make it difficult to sell your shares at the volume, prices and times desired.
If at a specific measurement time period, our public float calculation is below $700 million, we may not qualify as a well-known seasoned issuer and suffer negative consequences. If we do not qualify as a well-known seasoned issuer, we will not be able to file automatic shelf registration statements on Form S-3ASR and enjoy the benefits associated with such registration statements, such as automatic effectiveness immediately upon filing, permitting companies to omit more information from the base prospectus than permitted for other shelf registration statements, allowing companies to register unspecified amounts of securities and doing so without allocating among securities or between primary and secondary offerings, and permitting companies to pay filing fees on a “pay-as-you-go” basis at the time of each takedown from the shelf registration statement. Not qualifying as a well-known seasoned issuer may also impact the views or perceptions of investors and analysts and may influence investors’ willingness to purchase or hold our securities or analysts’ recommendations regarding our securities.

We have the ability tocan issue additional equity securities, which would lead to dilution of our issued and outstanding Company Shares.Class A common stock.
The issuance of additional equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities would result in dilution of our existing shareholders’ equity interests. In addition, weWe are authorized to issue up to 400250 million shares of our Class A common stock and up to 100 million shares of our Class B common stock. We are authorized to issue, without shareholder approval, up to 50 million shares of preferred stock in one or more series, which may give other shareholders dividend, conversion, voting, and liquidation rights, among other rights, thatwhich may be superior to the rights of holders of our Class A common stock. We are authorized to issue, without shareholder approval, except as required by law or the Nasdaq Global Select Market,New York Stock Exchange, securities convertible into either common stock or preferred stock. Furthermore, we have adopted an equity compensation program for our employees and an employee stock purchase plan, which also could result in dilution of our existing shareholders’ equity interests.
In addition, Federal Reserve policy requires bank holding companies’ capital to be comprised predominantly of voting common stock. Class B common stock is non-voting common stock for Federal Reserve purposes, therefore, we expect future issuances of Company Shares will be Class A common stock. These new issuances of Class A common stock, as well as their voting rights, may dilute the interests of our Class A shareholders, and increase the market for, and liquidity of, our Class A common stock generally, as compared to the market for, and liquidity of, our Class B common stock.
Our dual classes of Company Shares may limit investments by investors using index-based strategies.
Certain major providers of securities indices have determined to exclude shares of companies with classes of common stock with different voting rights. These actions may limit investment in Company Shares by mutual funds, exchange traded funds, or ETFs, and other investors basing their strategies on such securities indices, which could adversely affect the value and liquidity of Company Shares.
We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our common stock.
We do not intend to pay any dividends to holders of our common stock for the foreseeable future. We currently intend to invest our future earnings, if any, to fund our growth or improve our costs and capital structure. Therefore, you are not likely to receive any dividends on your common stock for the foreseeable future, and the performance of an investment in our common stock will depend upon any future appreciation in its value. Our common stock could decline or increase in value.
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Certain provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, Florida law, and U.S. banking laws could have anti-takeover effects.
Certain provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as well as Florida law, and the BHC Act, and Change in Bank Control Act, could delay or prevent a change of control that you may favor. Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws include certain provisions that could delay a takeover or change in control of us, including: the exclusive right of our board to fill any director vacancy; advance notice requirements for shareholder proposals and director nominations; provisions limiting the shareholders’ ability to call special meetings of shareholders or to take action by written consent; and the ability of our board to designate the terms of and issue new series of preferred stock without shareholder approval, which could be used, among other things, to institute a rights plan that would have the effect of significantly diluting the stock ownership of a potential hostile acquirer, likely preventing acquisitions that have not been approved by our board.

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The Florida Business Corporation Act contains a control-share acquisition statute that provides that a person who acquires shares in an “issuing public corporation,” as defined in the statute, in excess of certain specified thresholds generally will not have any voting rights with respect to such shares, unless such voting rights are approved by the holders of a majority of the votes of each class of securities entitled to vote separately, excluding shares held or controlled by the acquiring person. Furthermore, the BHC Act and the Change in Bank Control Act impose notice, application and approvals and ongoing regulatory requirements on any shareholder or other party that seeks to acquire direct or indirect “control” of bank holding companies, such as ourselves.

Risks Related to our Indebtedness
We aremay not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt, including the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and the Debentures.

Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal and interest or to satisfy our obligations in respect of our Senior Notes, Subordinated Notes and the Debentures or to refinance them will depend on our future operating performance. Prevailing economic conditions (including inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, and uncertainty surrounding global markets), regulatory constraints (including limitations on distributions to us from our subsidiaries and required capital levels with respect to our subsidiary bank and non-banking subsidiaries), and financial, business and other factors will also affect our ability to meet these needs. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations, or obtain future borrowings in an “emerging growth company,” and, asamount sufficient to enable us to pay our debt, or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a resultportion of the reduced disclosure and governance requirements applicable to emerging growth companies, our common stockdebt on or before maturity. We may be less attractiveunable to investors.refinance any of our debt when needed on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

We are an “emerging growtha holding company” as defined with limited operations and depend on our subsidiaries for the funds required to make payments of principal and interest on the Senior Notes, Subordinated Notes and the Debentures.

We area separate and distinct legal entity from the Bank and our other subsidiaries. Our primary source of funds to make payments of principal and interest on the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and the Debentures, and to satisfy any other financial obligations are dividends from the Bank. Our ability to receive dividends from the Bank is contingent on a number of factors, including the Bank’s ability to meet applicable regulatory capital requirements, the Bank’s profitability and earnings, and the general strength of its balance sheet. Various federal and state regulatory provisions limit the amount of dividends bank subsidiaries are permitted to pay to their holding companies without regulatory approval. In general, the Bank may only pay dividends either out of its net income after any required transfers to surplus or reserves have been made or out of its retained earnings. In addition, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued policy statements stating that insured banks and bank holding companies generally should pay dividends only out of current operating earnings.

Banks and their holding companies are required to maintain a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% and satisfy other applicable regulatory capital ratios. Banking institutions that do not maintain capital in the JOBS Act, and we intend to take advantage of someexcess of the exemptions from reporting requirements that are affordedcapital conservation buffer may face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and executive compensation . Accordingly, if the Bank fails to emerging growth companies including, but not limitedmaintain the applicable minimum capital ratios and the capital conservation buffer, dividends to exemptionus from the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensationBank may be prohibited or limited, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we intend to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be insufficient funds to make principal and interest payments on the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and the Debentures.

In addition, state or federal banking regulators have broad authority to restrict the payment of dividends, including in circumstances where a less active trading market for our common stockbank under such regulator’s jurisdiction engages in (or is about to engage in) unsafe or unsound practices. Such regulators have the authority to require that a bank cease and our stock prices may become more volatile. We may take advantagedesist from unsafe and unsound practices and to prevent a bank from paying a dividend if its financial condition is such that the regulator views the payment of these exemptions until we are no longera dividend to constitute an emerging growth company.unsafe or unsound practice.

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Accordingly, we can provide no assurance that we will receive dividends from the Bank in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, or interest on, the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and the Debentures. In addition, our right and the rights of our creditors, including holders of the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and the Debentures to participate in the assets of any non-guarantor subsidiary upon its liquidation or reorganization would be subject to the prior claims of such non-guarantor subsidiary’s creditors, except to the extent that we may ourselves be a creditor with recognized claims against such non-guarantor subsidiary.
General Risk Factors
We may be unable to attract and retain key people to support our business.
Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to attract and retain key people. We compete with other financial services companies for people primarily on the basisincur a substantial level of compensation, benefits, the strength of the Company and the ability of the candidate to grow within the Company. Intense competition exists for key employees with demonstrated ability, and we may be unable to hire or retain such employees, including those needed to implement our business strategy. Effective succession planning is also important to our long-term success. The unexpected loss of services of one or more of our key personnel and failure to effectively transfer knowledge and smooth transitions involving key personneldebt that could have material adverse effects on our business due to loss of their skills, knowledge of our business, their years of industry experience and the potential difficulty of timely finding qualified replacement employees. We may not be able to attract and retain qualified people to fill open key positions or replace or succeed members of our senior management team or other key personnel. Rules implementing the executive compensation provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act may limit the type and structure of compensation arrangements into which we may enter with certain of our employees and officers. Our regulators may also restrict compensation through rules and practices intended to avoid risks. These restrictions could negativelymaterially adversely affect our ability to compete with other companies in recruitinggenerate sufficient cash to fulfill our obligations under the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and retaining key personnel.the Debentures.
Severe weather, natural disasters, global pandemics, acts
Neither we, nor any of warour subsidiaries, are subject to any limitations under the terms of the indentures governing the terms of the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and the Debentures from issuing, accepting or terrorism, theft, civil unrest, government expropriationincurring any amount of additional debt, deposits or other external eventsliabilities, including senior indebtedness or other obligations ranking equally with the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and the Debentures. We expect that we and our subsidiaries will incur additional debt and other liabilities from time to time, and our level of debt and the risks related thereto could increase.

A substantial level of debt could have significant effectsimportant consequences to us, holders of our Senior Notes, of our Subordinated Notes, of our Debentures and our shareholders, including making it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations (including the Senior Notes, the Subordinated Notes and the Debentures); requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our business.
Severe weatherdebt, thereby reducing funds available for other purposes; increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic and natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, fires, droughtsindustry conditions, which could place us at a disadvantage relative to our competitors that have less debt; limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and floods, acts of war or terrorism, epidemicsthe industries in which we operate; and global pandemics (such as the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19), theft, civil unrest, government expropriation, condemnation or other external events in the markets where we operate or where our customers live (including Venezuela, which is experiencing a depreciated currency and hyperinflation) could have a significant effect onlimiting our ability to conduct business. Such eventsborrow additional funds, or to dispose of assets to raise funds, if needed, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other corporate purposes.

In addition, a breach of any of the restrictions or covenants in our existing debt agreements could affect the stabilitycause a cross-default under other debt agreements. A significant portion of our deposit base, impair the abilitydebt then may become immediately due and payable. If this were to occur, we cannot assure you we would have or be able to obtain sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments. If any of borrowersour debt is accelerated, our assets may not be sufficient to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, impair employee productivity, resultsuch debt in loss of revenue and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. Although management has established disaster recovery and business continuity policies and procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Our business is mainly concentrated in three markets—South Florida, the greater Houston, Texas area and the greater New York City area, which may increase our risks from extreme weather.full.

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
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Item 1C. CYBERSECURITY
We recognize the security of our banking operations is critical to protecting our customers, maintaining our reputation and preserving the value of the Company. We have an enterprise risk management framework that is designed to identify, measure, control, monitor and mitigate risks across various aspects of our business and operations, including, credit, interest rate, liquidity, operational, regulatory compliance, strategic, reputational, and legal risks. As we rely and continue to increase our reliance on technology and given the constant state of cyber threats, information security or cybersecurity is a significant component of our enterprise risk management framework. Our Chief Information Security Officer, a key member of our risk management organization, who has overall responsibility, accountability, and ownership for this cybersecurity component, reports directly to the Chief Risk Officer and periodically presents reports to the Risk Committee of our Board of Directors.

We are actively engaged in identifying, managing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks with the objective of avoiding or minimizing the impact of malicious and non-malicious actions and threats aimed at penetrating, disrupting or misusing our systems and information. Protecting company data, non-public customer and employee data, and the systems that collect, process, and maintain this information is deemed critical. We have developed and implemented an enterprise-wide information security program, which is designed to protect the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of customer non-public information and company data, including the protection of the hardware and infrastructure used to store and transmit such information. Our Information Security Program is structured and aligned with the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council (“FFIEC”) guidelines for information security, regulatory guidance, and other industry standards. To promote the continued effectiveness of our information security program, we periodically conduct risk assessments, complete audits and tests, participate in industry associations, and review information from threat intelligence feeds. In addition, our Chief Information Security Officer and members of his team and of our Information Technology team regularly collaborate with external parties, including regulatory agencies, other banks and industry groups to share cyberthreat information, trends and issues and identify best practices.

We leverage knowledge, people, processes, and technology to develop, implement, manage, and maintain cybersecurity controls. Our information security program employs several detective and defensive tools designed to monitor, alert, and block suspicious activity, as well as to identify, report and address any suspected threats. Our information security program is a continuous on-going periodically updated program that is supported by policies, procedures, standards and guidelines; an Enterprise-wide Vendor Management Program; a Technology Project Management Office (PMO) and an Enterprise-wide Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Program. This integration is aimed at ensuring that program is embedded into theorganization’s lines of business, support functions and third-party vendor management program.

We have implemented controls that align information security standards with the nature of our operations and strategic direction. When possible, we implement layered control systems by deploying different controls at different points of business processes and throughout an IT system so that the strength of one control can compensate for weaknesses in or possible failure of another control. We have also developed an enterprise-wide vendor management and third-party risk management program designed to identify, assess, and manage information security, operational and technology risks associated with third-party vendors. Our Enterprise-wide Vendor Management Program is in alignment with the FFIEC Guidelines for Third Party Service Providers and is designed to identify, assess, and manage risks, including cybersecurity risks, associated with external service providers. Our Information Security Program also continuously promotes cybersecurity awareness and culture across the organization, including regular education and training, that requires team members to complete training and certification on an annual basis and phishing simulations (attempts of attacks) monthly. New hires are also provided with information security awareness training during the orientation process. A customer security awareness and communication program has also been developed and implemented to keep customers abreast of security and fraud risks.

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While we believe that our business, financial condition, or results of operations have not been materially adversely affected by any cybersecurity incidents, cybersecurity threats are common and pervasive and, we, as well as our customers, regulators, and service providers, have experienced and will likely continue to experience a significant increase in information security and cybersecurity threats and attacks, see “Our information systems are exposed to cybersecurity threats and may experience interruptions and security breaches that could adversely affect our business and reputation” in Item 1A. Risk Factors. We continuously assess the risks and changes in the cyber environment and update our information security program to reflect the results of risk assessments and the key controls necessary to safeguard customer information and ensure the proper disposal of customer information. The program is updated considering changes in technology, the sensitivity of our customer information, internal or external threats to information, and our own changing business environment which can include mergers and/or acquisitions, outsourcing arrangements, and changes in customer information systems which may have material impact on the program. We also leverage control testing of key controls, systems, and procedures of our information security program performed by internal and external auditors and external partners, that is periodically completed to assess their design and operating effectiveness and make recommendations to strengthen our risk management program.

We have developed and maintain an incident response plan that provides a documented procedure to respond and address cybersecurity incidents, including timely notification to the Executive Management Committee and the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors. The incident response plan provides for the interaction and coordination of executive, strategic and tactical teams, depending on the severity level of the incident, aimed at facilitating coordination across multiple units and departments of the Company. Our incident response plan is tested at least annually.

Governance

The Information Security Department, under the leadership of the Chief Information Security Officer, has the responsibility for implementation and monitoring our information security program. The responsibilities of this department include cybersecurity risk assessments, vulnerability management, access reviews for systems and applications, incident response and management, gathering and sharing threat intelligence, monitoring of controls, and overall responsibility for the development of the information security program including relevant policies, procedures, standards and guidelines to enhance data security and mitigate risks. Members of this department include individuals with varying degrees of education and experience, in particular, our Chief Information Security Officer has over twenty years of experience in information technology and risk management, with emphasis on information security and cyber security risk management; throughout his career he has served in different positions including as Information Technology Auditor, Technology Risk Manager, Information Security Program Manager and, since September 2018 as our CISO. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer systems analysis and has obtain several relevant certifications, including having completed the EC-Council’s Certified Chief Information Security Officer Program and obtaining the Information Systems Auditor and Risk and Information Systems Control certifications from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association, ISACA. Several management committees, including our Executive Management Committee, manage our information security program and meet periodically to review and discuss information security matters. In general, summaries of key matters discussed are reported to the Risk Committee.

Our Board, through the Risk Committee, is actively engaged in the oversight of our information security program. The Risk Committee oversees our information security program, including management’s actions to identify and evaluate, material cyber vulnerabilities, threats, and risks as well as the development and implementation of mitigating and remediating actions. Our Chief Information Security Officer presents quarterly reports to the Risk Committee regarding our information security program, including relevant information on key risk and performance indicators related to cybersecurity matters as well as significant cybersecurity and privacy events. In addition, our information security risk profile is presented to the Risk Committee on a semi-annual basis.

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Item 2. PROPERTIES
We conduct our business from our approximately 177,000 square foot headquarters building in Coral Gables, Florida (the “Headquarters Building”), located at 220 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, Florida 33134. We ownIn 2021, we sold the Coral Gables locationHeadquarters Building, and asleased-back the property for an eighteen-year term. As of December 31, 2020, occupy2023 we occupied approximately 54,20060,000 square feet, or approximately 31%34%, of the building,Headquarters Building, with the remaining approximately 122,800117,000 square feet, or approximately 69%66%, either leased to third-parties or available for lease. In January 2024, we leased to a third-party approximately 19,000 square feet which we previously occupied. As a result, we now occupy approximately 41,000 square feet, or approximately 23%, of the Headquarters Building.

Additionally, a significant portion of our support service units now operate out of our approximately 100,000 square feetnew operations center in the Miramar Park of Commerce (the “Miramar Operations Center”), located at 10500 Marks Way, Miramar, Florida 33025. In 2023, we completed the relocation to the new Miramar Operations Center from the previous operations center located in the Beacon Industrial Park area of Doral, Florida (the “Beacon“Old Beacon Operations Center”). In 2020, the Company sold the Old Beacon Operations Center. Following the sale of the Beacon Operations Center, the Company leased-back the property for a two-year term ending in December 2022. We continueon or before June 2023, including monthly rental periods. The Miramar Operations Center has a more efficient layout which allowed us to occupy 100% of this building.reduce our space to approximately 56,500 square feet from approximately 100,000 at the Old Beacon Operations Center.

As of December 31, 2020,2023, we have 25had 22 banking centers, including 1816 in Florida and 7six in Texas. We occupy 1615 banking centers under lease agreements, six ownedfour banking centers are located onwith long term ground leases subject to long-term land leases of 20 to 30 years, each with an option, or options to renew and one owned banking center is located on ground subject to a long-term land lease that expires in 2021. This land lease has been extended to expire on December 23, 2021.renew. Our banking centers range from approximately 1,900 square feet to approximately 7,000 square feet, average approximately 4,4503,750 square feet and total approximately 103,10082,000 square feet. The total monthly rent for the banking centers is approximately $517 thousand and the total annual rental expense for the leased banking centers is approximately $7.5 million, including the long-term land leases.We opened a new Banking Center in Tampa, FL in 2024, which we also lease.

In addition to the banking centers, we lease approximately 14,000 square feet in Houston, Texas, which we use as our Texas regional office. The annual rent is approximately $850 thousand.

We lease approximately 6,000 square feet in New York City, which is primarilywas used as a LPO for CRE loans. The annual rent is approximately $533 thousand.We closed our New York CRE LPO in 2021. We subleased this property in January 2022. We also lease approximately 1,894one location in Tampa, Florida which is primarily used as an LPO for C&I and CRE banking activities. In February 2023, the Company executed a new lease for 14,416 square feet office space in Dallas, Texas, as a LPO. The annual rent is approximately $79 thousand.Tampa, Florida, which now houses our recently opened banking center and where our new Tampa Regional Office will be.

Our various leases have periodic escalation clauses and may have options for extensions and other customary terms.
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Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are, from time to time, in the ordinary course, engaged in litigation, and we have a small number of unresolved claims pending, including the one described in more detail below.pending. In addition, as part of the ordinary course of business, we are parties to litigation involving claims relating to the ownership of funds in particular accounts, the collection of delinquent accounts, credit relationships, challenges to security interests in collateral and foreclosure interests, which are incidental to our regular business activities. While the ultimate liability with respect to these other litigation matters and claims cannot be determined at this time, we believe that potential liabilities relating to pending matters are not likely to be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Where appropriate, reserves for these various matters of litigation are established, under FASB ASC Topic 450, Contingencies, based in part upon management’s judgment and the advice of legal counsel.
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At least quarterly, we assess our liabilities and contingencies in connection with outstanding legal proceedings utilizing the latest information available. For those matters where it is probable that we will incur a loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we record a liability in our consolidated financial statements. These legal reserves may be increased or decreased to reflect any relevant developments based on our quarterly reviews. For other matters, where a loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be estimated, we have not accrued legal reserves, consistent with applicable accounting guidance. Based on information currently available to us, advice of counsel, and available insurance coverage, we believe that our established reserves are adequate and the liabilities arising from the legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition. We note, however, that in light of the inherent uncertainty in legal proceedings there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution will not exceed established reserves. As a result, the outcome of a particular matter or a combination of matters, if unfavorable, may be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for a particular period, depending upon the size of the loss or our income for that particular period.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUERSISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market InformationFor Capital Stock
Our shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.10 per share, and our shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.10 per share, are listed and trade on the NYSE under the symbol “AMTB”. Previously and until August 28, 2023, the Company’s Class A common Stock were listed and traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, underor NASDAQ. Until November 17, 2021 the symbols “AMTB and “AMTBB,” respectively.
As of March 5, 2021, we had 28,996,122 outstanding shares of Class A common stock held by approximately 1,333 shareholders and 1,362 outstandingCompany’s shares of Class B common stock, held by approximately 9,036,352 shareholders. The numberpar value $0.10 per share, were also listed and traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol “AMTBB”, on November 18, 2021 these shares were converted into shares of shareholders consistsClass A common stock. See “Our History” under Item 1. Business.
Holders of record
As of February 15, 2024, there were 385 shareholders of record in each case, includingof the Company’s Class A common stock. The shareholders of record include Cede & Co., a nominee for The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, which holds shares of our Class A common stock and shares of our Class B common stock on behalf of an indeterminate number of beneficial owners. All of the Company’s shares of Class A and Class B common stock held by brokerage firms, banks and other financial institutions as nominees for beneficial owners are deposited into participant accounts at DTC, and are considered to be held of record by Cede & Co. as one shareholder. Because many of our Class A and Class B common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of shareholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of shareholders represented by these record holders.
Dividends
In January 2024 and each of the four quarters of 2023 and 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.09 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock. The Company has not paiddeclared cash dividends in an amount of $0.06 per share of common stock on December 8, 2021. Future dividends, if any, will be subject to our Board of Directors’ discretion and will depend on a number of factors including, among other things, upon our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, capital adequacy, cash requirements, prospects, regulatory capital and limitations, and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant as well as applicable federal and state regulations. Under Florida law, the Company may only pay dividends if after giving effect to each dividend the Company would be able to pay its debts as they become due and the Company’s total assets would exceed the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if the Company were to be dissolved at the time of each dividend, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders any dividend sincewhose preferential rights are superior to those entitled to receive the Spin-off from its Former Parent.
Asdividend. In addition, as a bank holding company, our ability to pay dividends is affected by the policies and enforcement powers of the Federal Reserve. In addition,Also, because we are a bank holding company, we are dependent upon the payment of dividends by the Bank to us as our principal source of funds to pay dividends in the future, if any, and to make other payments. The Bank is also subject to various legal, regulatory and other restrictions on its ability to pay dividends and make other distributions and payments to us. For further information, see “Supervision and Regulation—Payment of Dividends.”
We do not anticipate paying any dividends to holders


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Stock Performance Graph
The following stock performance graph and related disclosures do not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other filing by us under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent we specifically incorporate them by reference therein.
The following graph compares the cumulative total return of the Class A common stock and the Class B common stock from August 29, 2018 to December 31, 2020,2023, as compared to the cumulative total return on stocks included in the NYSE Composite Index, the NASDAQ Composite Index and the KBW Nasdaq Regional Bank Index over such period. Our Class B common stock was converted into Class A common stock on November 18, 2021 pursuant to the Clean-Up Merger and is no longer outstanding. November 17, 2021 was the last day of trading of the Company's shares of Class B common stock. Cumulative total return expressed in Dollars assumes an investment of $100 on August 29, 2018 and reinvestment of dividends as paid.

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our Class A common stock to the NYSE on August 29, 2023. As a result, we have changed our broad equity market index for purposes of disclosure in the stock performance graph to the NYSE Composite Index and have included returns in the stock performance graph based on both of these indices. In future periods, we will no longer reference the NASDAQ Composite Index in comparing total shareholder returns on our Class A common stock. We did not change our line-of-business index, which is the KBW Nasdaq Bank Index, as a result of our transfer to the NYSE.
amtb-20201231_g2.jpg4054
(1) Shares of Company Class A common stock and Class B common stock were distributed in the Spin-off at the end of the day on Friday, August 10, 2018 and were listed for trading beginning on Monday, August 13, 2018.  Pursuant to S&P Global Market Intelligence data, August 29, 2018 is the first date pricing information was available for our common stock and no trading occurred until August 29, 2018.
Total Return Performance (in Dollars)
August 29, 2018December 31, 2018December 31, 2019December 31, 2020
AMTB$100.00 $72.28 $121.05 $84.44 
AMTBB100.00 55.67 90.28 64.61 
NASDAQ Composite Index100.00 81.82 110.64 158.92 
KBW Index100.00 77.27 102.11 88.19 

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Total Return Performance (in Dollars)
August 29, 2018December 31, 2018December 31, 2019December 31, 2020December 31, 2021December 31, 2022December 31, 2023
AMTB$100.00 $72.28 $121.05 $84.44 $191.94 $149.11 $136.50 
NYSE Composite Index100.00 86.61 105.95 110.60 130.70 115.63 128.33 
NASDAQ Composite Index100.00 81.82 110.64 158.92 192.92 129.06 185.10 
KBW Bank Index100.00 77.27 102.11 88.19 119.09 90.84 86.49 
The above graph and table illustrate the performance of Company Class A and Class B common stock from August 29, 2018, the first day that pricing information was available, and reflect:

the Spin-off;
the IPO; and
the Company's repurchase of certain of its sharesClean-up Merger, under which terms each outstanding share of Class B common stock from the Former Parent.was automatically converted to 0.95 of a share of Class A common stock.







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Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Selected Consolidated Financial Information
The following table sets forth selected financial information derived from our audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017. The selected financial information should be read in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our audited consolidated financial statements and the corresponding notes included in this Form 10-K.
December 31,
(in thousands)2020201920182017
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Total assets$7,770,893 $7,985,399 $8,124,347 $8,436,767 
Total investments1,372,567 1,739,410 1,741,428 1,846,951 
Total gross loans held for investment (1)
5,842,337 5,744,339 5,920,175 6,066,225 
Allowance for loan losses110,902 52,223 61,762 72,000 
Total deposits5,731,643 5,757,143 6,032,686 6,322,973 
Senior notes (2)
58,577 — — — 
Junior subordinated debentures (3)
64,178 92,246 118,110 118,110 
Advances from the FHLB and other borrowings1,050,000 1,235,000 1,166,000 1,173,000 
Stockholders' equity (4)
783,421 834,701 747,418 753,450 
Assets under management and custody (5)
1,972,321 1,815,848 1,592,257 1,750,535 
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)2020201920182017
Consolidated Results of Operations
Net interest income$189,552 $213,088 $219,039 $209,710 
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses88,620 (3,150)375 (3,490)
Noninterest income73,470 57,110 53,875 71,485 
Noninterest expense178,736 209,317 214,973 207,636 
Net (loss) income(1,722)51,334 45,833 43,057 
Effective income tax rate60.27 %19.83 %20.38 %44.12 %
Common Share Data (6)
Stockholders' book value per common share$20.70 $19.35 $17.31 $17.73 
Tangible stockholders' equity (book value) per common share (7)
20.13 18.84 16.82 17.23 
Basic (loss) earnings per common share(0.04)1.21 1.08 1.01 
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share(0.04)1.20 1.08 1.01 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding41,737 42,543 42,487 42,489 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (8)
41,737 42,939 42,487 42,489 
Cash dividend declared per common share (9)
— — 0.94 — 
59

Years Ended December 31,
2020201920182017
Other Financial and Operating Data
Profitability Indicators (%)
Net interest income / Average total interest earning assets (NIM)(10)
2.52 %2.85 %2.78 %2.63 %
Net (loss) income / Average total assets (ROA) (11)
(0.02)%0.65 %0.55 %0.51 %
Net (loss) income / Average stockholders' equity (ROE) (12)
(0.21)%6.43 %6.29 %5.62 %
Capital Indicators
Total capital ratio (13)
13.96 %14.78 %13.54 %13.31 %
Tier 1 capital ratio (14)
12.71 %13.94 %12.69 %12.26 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio (15)
10.11 %11.32 %10.34 %10.15 %
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio (CET1)(16)
11.73 %12.6 %11.07 %10.68 %
Tangible common equity ratio (17)
9.83 %10.21 %8.96 %8.70 %
Asset Quality Indicators (%)
Non-performing assets / Total assets (18)
1.13 %0.41 %0.22 %0.32 %
Non-performing loans /Total loans (1) (19)
1.50 %0.57 %0.30 %0.44 %
Allowance for loan losses / Total non-performing loans (20)
126.46 %158.6 %347.33 %267.18 %
Allowance for loan losses / Total loans (1) (20)
1.90 %0.91 %1.04 %1.19 %
Net charge-offs/ Average total loans (21)
0.52 %0.11 %0.18 %0.11 %
Efficiency Indicators
Noninterest expense / Average total assets (11)
2.23 %2.64 %2.57 %2.45 %
Salaries and employee benefits/ Average total assets (11)
1.39 %1.73 %1.69 %1.55 %
Other operating expenses/ Average total assets (11) (22)
0.84 %0.91 %0.87 %0.89 %
Efficiency ratio (23)
67.95 %77.47 %78.77 %73.84 %
Full-Time-Equivalent Employees (FTEs)713829911944
60

Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)2020201920182017
Adjusted Selected Consolidated Results of Operations and Other Data (7)
Adjusted noninterest income$75,199 $54,315 $53,875 $61,016 
Adjusted noninterest expense166,811 204,271 201,911 202,391 
Adjusted net income3,703 53,138 57,923 48,403 
Operating income (24)
57,296 58,276 58,940 75,160 
Adjusted earnings per common share (6)
0.09 1.25 1.36 1.14 
Adjusted earnings per diluted common share (6)
0.09 1.24 1.36 1.14 
Adjusted net income / Average total assets (ROA) (11)
0.05 %0.67 %0.69 %0.57 %
Adjusted net income / Average stockholders' equity (ROE) (12)
0.44 %6.66 %7.95 %6.32 %
Adjusted noninterest expense / Average total assets (11)
2.08 %2.57 %2.41 %2.38 %
Adjusted salaries and employee benefits/ Average total assets (11)
1.31 %1.71 %1.62 %1.55 %
Adjusted other operating expenses/ Average total assets (11) (22)
0.80 %0.86 %0.78 %0.83 %
Adjusted efficiency ratio (25)
63.01 %76.39 %73.99 %74.76 %

_________

(1) Total gross loans held for investment are net of deferred loan fees and costs.
(2) During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company completed a $60 million offering of Senior Notes with a coupon rate of 5.75%. Senior Notes are presented net of direct issuance cost which is deferred and amortized over 5 years.
(3) During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company redeemed all $26.8 million of its outstanding 8.90% trust preferred securities and related junior subordinated debentures. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company redeemed $25.0 million of its 10.60% and 10.18% trust preferred securities and related junior subordinated debentures.
(4) During the first quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 932,459 shares of its Class B common stock in two privately negotiated transactions for $16.00 per share. The aggregate purchase price for these transactions was approximately $15.2 million, including $0.3 million in broker fees and other expenses. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company completed a modified “Dutch auction” tender offer to purchase, for cash, up to $50.0 million of shares of its Class B common stock. The tender offer was oversubscribed and as a result we accepted for purchase 4,249,785 shares of Class B common stock in the tender offer, which includes an additional 2% of outstanding shares of Class B common stock as permitted under the tender offer rule, at a price of $12.55 per share. The purchase price for this transaction was approximately $54.1 million, including $0.8 million in related fees and other expenses. See “Capital Resources and Liquidity Management” for detailed information.
(5) Assets held for clients in an agency or fiduciary capacity which are not assets of the Company and therefore are not included in the consolidated financial statements.
(6) The earnings per common share reflect the reverse stock split completed on October 23, 2018, which reduced the number of outstanding shares on a 1-for-3 basis. See Note 16 to our audited annual consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K for details on reverse stock splits.
(7) This presentation contains adjusted financial information determined by methods other than GAAP. This adjusted financial information is reconciled to GAAP in “Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation” herein.
(8) As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, potential dilutive instruments consisted of unvested shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units mainly related to the Company’s IPO in 2018, totaling 248,750 and 530,620, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, potential dilutive instruments were not included in the dilutive earnings per share computation because the Company reported a net loss and their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect. As of December 31, 2019, potential dilutive instruments were included in the diluted earnings per share computation because, when the unamortized deferred compensation cost related to these shares was divided by the average market price per share at those dates, fewer shares would have been purchased than restricted shares assumed issued. Therefore, at that date, such awards resulted in higher diluted weighted averages shares outstanding than basic weighted average shares outstanding, and had a dilutive effect in per share earnings. We had no outstanding dilutive instruments as of any period prior to December 2018.
(9) Special cash dividend of $40.0 million paid to the Company’s former parent in connection with the Spin-off.
(10) NIM is defined as net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets, which are loans, securities, deposits with banks and other financial assets which yield interest or similar income.
(11) Calculated based upon the average daily balance of total assets.
(12) Calculated based upon the average daily balance of stockholders’ equity.
(13) Total stockholders’ equity divided by total risk-weighted assets, calculated according to the standardized regulatory capital ratio calculations.
61

(14) Tier 1 capital divided by total risk-weighted assets.
(15) Tier 1 capital divided by quarter to date average assets. Tier 1 capital is composed of CET1 capital plus outstanding qualifying trust preferred securities of $62.3 million and $89.1 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $114.1 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
(16) CET1 divided by total risk-weighted assets. Since 2018, the Company has redeemed a total of $51.8 million in trust preferred securities. See footnote 3.
(17) Tangible common equity is calculated as the ratio of common equity less goodwill and other intangibles divided by total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. Other intangibles are included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
(18) Non-performing assets include all accruing loans past due by 90 days or more, all nonaccrual loans, restructured loans that are considered TDRs, and OREO properties acquired through or in lieu of foreclosure. Non-performing assets were $88.1 million, $33.0 million, $18.1 million and $27.3 million as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(19) Non-performing loans include all accruing loans past due by 90 days or more, and all nonaccrual loans and restructured loans that are considered TDRS. Non-performing loans were $87.7 million, $32.9 million, $17.8 million and $26.9 million as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(20) Allowance for loan losses was $110.9 million, $52.2 million, $61.8 million and $72.0 million as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. See Note 5 to our audited consolidated financial statements for more details on our impairment models.
(21) Calculated based upon the average daily balance of outstanding loan principal balance net of deferred loan fees and costs, excluding the allowance for loan losses. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company charged off $19.3 million against the allowance for loan losses as result of the deterioration of one commercial loan relationship.
(22) Other operating expenses is the result of total noninterest expense less salary and employee benefits.
(23) Efficiency ratio is the result of noninterest expense divided by the sum of noninterest income and net interest income.
(24) Operating income is the result of net income or loss plus provisions for or reversals of loan losses, less net gains or losses on securities, and plus income tax expense or benefit.
(25) Adjusted efficiency ratio is the efficiency ratio less the effect of restructuring and Spin-off costs and other adjustments management believes are useful to understand the Company’s performance, described in “Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation”.


62

Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation
The following table sets forth selected financial information derived from the Company’s annual audited consolidated financial statements, adjusted for certain costs incurred by the Company in the periods presented related to tax deductible restructuring and non-deductible Spin-off costs. These adjustments also reflect the after-tax loss of $0.7 million on the sale of the Beacon Operations Center in 2020, the after-tax gain of $2.2 million on the sale of vacant Beacon land in 2019, the after-tax gain of $7.1 million on the sale of our New York City building in 2017 and, the $9.6 million charge to our deferred tax assets due to the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act in 2017, the Company’s increases/decreases of its allowance for loan losses and net gains and losses on sale of securities in the periods shown. The Company believes these adjusted numbers are useful to understand the Company’s performance absent these transactions and events.
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)2020201920182017
Total noninterest income$73,470 $57,110 $53,875 $71,485 
Plus: loss on sale of the Beacon Operations Center (1)
1,729 — — — 
Less: gain on sale of vacant Beacon land— (2,795)— — 
Less: gain on sale of New York building— — — (10,469)
Adjusted noninterest income$75,199 $54,315 $53,875 $61,016 
Total noninterest expenses$178,736 $209,317 $214,973 $207,636 
Less: Restructuring costs (2):
Staff reduction costs (3) (4)
6,405 1,471 4,709 — 
Digital transformation expenses3,116 — — — 
Branch closure expenses2,404 — — — 
Rebranding costs— 3,575 400 — 
Legal and strategy advisory costs— — 1,176 — 
Other costs— — 110 — 
Total restructuring costs11,925 5,046 6,395 — 
Less spin-off costs:
Legal fees— — 3,539 2,000 
Additional contribution to non-qualified deferred compensation plan on behalf of participants to mitigate tax effects of unexpected early distribution due to spin-off (5)
— — 1,200 — 
Accounting and consulting fees— — 1,384 2,400 
Other expenses— — 544 845 
Total spin-off costs— — 6,667 5,245 
Adjusted noninterest expenses$166,811 $204,271 $201,911 $202,391 
RESERVED
63

Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)2020201920182017
Net (loss) income$(1,722)$51,334 $45,833 $43,057 
Plus after-tax restructuring costs:
Restructuring costs before income tax effect11,925 5,046 6,395 — 
Income tax effect (7)
(7,187)(1,001)(1,303)— 
Total after-tax restructuring costs4,738 4,045 5,092 — 
Less after-tax loss on sale of the Beacon Operations Center:
Loss on sale of the Beacon Operations Center before income tax effect1,729 — — — 
Income tax effect (7)
(1,042)— — — 
Total after-tax loss on sale of Beacon Operations Center687 — — — 
Less after-tax gain on sale of vacant Beacon land:
Gain on sale of vacant Beacon land before income tax effect— (2,795)— — 
Income tax effect (7)
— 554 — — 
Total after-tax gain on sale of vacant Beacon land— (2,241)— — 
Plus after-tax total spin-off costs:
Total spin-off costs before income tax effect— — 6,667 5,245 
Income tax effect (6)
— — 331 (2,314)
Total after-tax spin-off costs— — 6,998 2,931 
Less after-tax gain on sale of New York building:
Gain on sale of New York building before income tax effect— — — (10,469)
Income tax effect (7)
— — — 3,320 
Total after-tax gain on sale of New York building— — — (7,149)
Plus impact of lower rate under the 2017 Tax Act:
Remeasurement of net deferred tax assets, other than balances corresponding to items in AOCI— — — 8,470 
Remeasurement of net deferred tax assets corresponding to items in AOCI— — — 1,094 
Total impact of lower rate under the 2017 Tax Act— — — 9,564 
Adjusted net income$3,703 $53,138 $57,923 $48,403 
Net (loss) Income$(1,722)$51,334 $45,833 $43,057 
Plus: provision for income tax (benefit) expense(2,612)12,697 11,733 33,992 
Plus: provision for (reversal of) loan losses88,620 (3,150)375 (3,490)
Less: securities gains (losses), net26,990 2,605 (999)(1,601)
Operating income$57,296 $58,276 $58,940 $75,160 
64


Years Ended December 31,
2020201920182017
Basic (loss) earnings per share$(0.04)$1.21 $1.08 $1.01 
Plus: after-tax impact of restructuring costs0.11 0.09 0.12 — 
Plus: after tax loss on sale of the Beacon Operations Center0.02 — — — 
Less: after-tax gain on sale of vacant Beacon land— (0.05)— — 
Plus: after-tax impact of total spin-off costs— — 0.16 0.07 
Less: after-tax gain on sale of New York building— — — (0.17)
Plus: effect of lower rate under the 2017 Tax Act— — — 0.23 
Adjusted basic earnings per common share$0.09 $1.25 $1.36 $1.14 
Diluted (loss) earnings per share (8)
$(0.04)$1.20 $1.08 $1.01 
Plus: after-tax impact of restructuring costs0.11 0.09 0.12 — 
Plus: after tax loss on sale of the Beacon Operations Center0.02 — — — 
Less: after-tax gain on sale of vacant Beacon land— (0.05)— — 
Plus: after-tax impact of total spin-off costs— — 0.16 0.07 
Less: after-tax gain on sale of New York building— — — (0.17)
Plus: effect of lower rate under the 2017 Tax Act— — — 0.23 
Adjusted diluted earnings per common share$0.09 $1.24 $1.36 $1.14 
Net (loss) income / Average total assets (ROA)(0.02)%0.65 %0.55 %0.51 %
Plus: after-tax impact of restructuring costs0.06 %0.05 %0.06 %— %
Plus: after tax loss on sale of the Beacon Operations Center0.01 %— %— %— %
Less: after-tax gain on sale of vacant Beacon land— %(0.03)%— %— %
Plus: after-tax impact of total spin-off costs— %— %0.08 %0.03 %
Less: after-tax gain on sale of New York building— %— %— %(0.08)%
Plus: effect of lower rate under the 2017 Tax Act— %— %— %0.11 %
Adjusted net income / Average total assets (Adjusted ROA)0.05 %0.67 %0.69 %0.57 %
Net (loss) income / Average stockholders' equity (ROE)(0.21)%6.43 %6.29 %5.62 %
Plus: after-tax impact of restructuring costs0.57 %0.51 %0.70 %— %
Plus: after tax loss on sale of the Beacon Operations Center0.08 %— %— %— %
Less: after-tax gain on sale of vacant Beacon land— %(0.28)%— %— %
Plus: after-tax impact of total spin-off costs— %— %0.96 %0.38 %
Less: after-tax gain on sale of New York building— %— %— %(0.93)%
Plus: effect of lower rate under the 2017 Tax Act— %— %— %1.25 %
Adjusted net income / Average stockholders' equity (Adjusted ROE)0.44 %6.66 %7.95 %6.32 %
65

Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)2020201920182017
Efficiency ratio67.95 %77.47 %78.77 %73.84 %
Less: impact of restructuring costs(4.51)%(1.89)%(2.34)%—%
Less: loss on sale of the Beacon Operations Center(0.43)%— %— %— %
Plus: gain on sale of vacant Beacon land— %0.81 %— %— %
Less: impact of total spin-off costs— %— %(2.44)%(1.86)%
Plus: gain on sale of New York building— %— %— %2.78 %
Adjusted efficiency ratio63.01 %76.39 %73.99 %74.76 %
Noninterest expense / Average total assets2.23 %2.64 %2.57 %2.45 %
Less: impact of restructuring costs(0.15)%(0.07)%(0.08)%— %
Less: impact of total spin-off costs— %— %(0.08)%(0.07)%
Adjusted noninterest expense / Average total assets2.08 %2.57 %2.41 %2.38 %
Salaries and employee benefits / Average total assets1.39 %1.73 %1.69 %1.55 %
Less: impact of restructuring costs(0.08)%(0.02)%(0.06)%— %
Less: impact of total spin-off costs— %— %(0.01)%— %
Adjusted salaries and employee benefits / Average total assets1.31 %1.71 %1.62 %1.55 %
Other operating expenses / Average total assets0.84 %0.91 %0.87 %0.89 %
Less: impact of restructuring costs(0.04)%(0.05)%(0.02)%— %
Less: impact of total spin-off costs— %— %(0.07)%(0.06)%
Adjusted other operating expenses / Average total assets0.80 %0.86 %0.78 %0.83 %
Stockholders' equity$783,421 $834,701 $747,418 $753,450 
Less: goodwill and other intangibles(21,561)(21,744)(21,042)(21,186)
Tangible common stockholders' equity$761,860 $812,957 $726,376 $732,264 
Total assets$7,770,893 $7,985,399 $8,124,347 $8,436,767 
Less: goodwill and other intangibles(21,561)(21,744)(21,042)(21,186)
Tangible assets$7,749,332 $7,963,655 $8,103,305 $8,415,581 
Common shares outstanding37,843 43,146 43,183 42,489 
Tangible common equity ratio9.83 %10.21 %8.96 %8.70 %
Stockholders' book value per common share$20.70 $19.35 $17.31 $17.73 
Tangible stockholders' book value per common share$20.13 $18.84 $16.82 $17.23 
66

______________
(1)     The Company leased-back the property for a 2-year term.
(2)     Expenses incurred for actions designed to implement the Company’s strategy as a new independent company. These actions include, but are not limited to reductions in workforce, streamlining operational processes, rolling out the Amerant brand, implementation of new technology system applications, enhanced sales tools and training, expanded product offerings and improved customer analytics to identify opportunities.
(3) On October 9, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a voluntary early retirement plan for certain eligible long-term employees ( the “2020 Voluntary Plan”) and an involuntary severance plan for certain other positions (the “2020 Involuntary Plan”) consistent with the Company’s effort to streamline operations and better align its operating structure with its business activities. 31 employees elected to participate in the 2020 Voluntary Plan, all of whom retired on or before December 31, 2020. The 2020 Involuntary Plan impacted 31 employees most of whom no longer worked for the Company and/or its subsidiaries by December 31, 2020. On December 28, 2020, the Company determined the termination costs and annual savings related to the 2020 Voluntary Plan and the 2020 Involuntary Plan. The Company incurred approximately $3.5 million and $1.8 million in one-time termination costs in the fourth quarter of 2020 in connection with the 2020 Voluntary Plan and the 2020 Involuntary Plan, respectively, the majority of which will be paid over time in the form of installment payments until December 2021. The Company estimates that the 2020 Voluntary Plan and the 2020 Involuntary Plan will yield estimated annual savings of approximately $4.2 million and $5.5 million, respectively, for combined estimated annual savings of approximately $9.7 million beginning in 2021.
(4) On October 30, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a voluntary early retirement plan (the “ 2018 Voluntary Plan”) for certain eligible long-term employees and an involuntary severance plan (the “2018 Involuntary Plan”) for certain other positions.  The Company incurred approximately $4.2 million of expenses in 2018 in connection with the 2018 Voluntary Plan, substantially all of which will be paid over time in the form of installment payments until January 2021. The Company incurred approximately $0.5 million of expenses in 2018 in connection with the 2018 Involuntary Plan, substantially all of which will be paid over time in the form of installment payments until December 2019.
(5)     The Spin-off caused an unexpected early distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes from our deferred compensation plan. This distribution was taxable to plan participants as ordinary income during 2018. We partially compensated plan participants, in the aggregate amount of $1.2 million, for the higher tax expense they incurred as a result of the distribution increasing the plan participants’ estimated effective federal income tax rates by recording a contribution to the plan on behalf of its participants. The after tax net effect of this $1.2 million contribution for the year ended December 31, 2018, was approximately $952,000. As a result of the early taxable distribution to plan participants, we have expensed and deducted for federal income tax purposes, previously deferred compensation of approximately $8.1 million, resulting in an estimated tax credit of $1.7 million, which exceeded the amount of the tax gross-up paid to plan participants.
(6)     Calculated based upon the estimated annual effective tax rate for the periods, which excludes the tax effect of discrete items, and the amounts that resulted from the difference between permanent Spin-off costs that are non-deductible for Federal and state income tax purposes, and total Spin-off costs recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The estimated annual effective rate applied for the calculation differs from the reported effective tax rate since it is based on a different mix of statutory rates applicable to these expenses and to the rates applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries.
(7)     In 2020, 2019, 2018, amounts were calculated based upon the Company’s annual effective tax rate of 60.27%, 19.83% and 20.38%, respectively. In 2017, amount was calculated based upon an estimated annual effective rate of 31.71%.
(8)     As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, potential dilutive instruments consisted of unvested shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units mainly related to the Company’s IPO in 2018, totaling 248,750 and 530,620, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, potential dilutive instruments were not included in the dilutive earnings per share computation because the Company reported a net loss and their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect. As of December 31, 2019, potential dilutive instruments were included in the diluted earnings per share computation because, when the unamortized deferred compensation cost related to these shares was divided by the average market price per share at those dates, fewer shares would have been purchased than restricted shares assumed issued. Therefore, at that date, such awards resulted in higher diluted weighted averages shares outstanding than basic weighted average shares outstanding, and had a dilutive effect in per share earnings. We had no outstanding dilutive instruments as of any period prior to December 2018.





67

Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the “Selected Financial Data,” our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, including but not limited to those set forth under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K, may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements.
The emphasis of this discussion will be on changes in the year ended December 31, 2023 with respect to 2022. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for additional details on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations in 2022 and changes in the Company’s financial condition and results of operations from 2021 to 2022.


Overview

Our Company
We are a bank holding company headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida. We provide individuals and businesses a comprehensive array of deposit, credit, investment, wealth management, retail banking, mortgage services, and fiduciary services. We serve customers in our United States markets and select international customers. These services are offered through the Bank, which is also headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, and its subsidiaries. Fiduciary, investment, and wealth management and mortgage lending services are provided by the Bank’s national trust company subsidiary, Amerant Trust, the Bank’s securities broker-dealer, subsidiary (see “Amerant Trust Merger” under Item 1.Business), Amerant Investments, the Bank’s Grand-Cayman based trust company, subsidiary, the Cayman Bank, and the newly formed mortgage company, Amerant Mortgage. The Bank’s three primary markets are South Florida, where we are headquartered and operate 18sixteen banking centers in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties; the greater Houston, Texas, area, where we have 7operate six banking centers that serve the nearby areas of Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend and Waller counties and a LPO in Dallas, Texas, which we opened in early 2019; and the greater New York City area,and; Tampa, Florida where we also maintain a LPO that focuses on originating CRE loans.
operate one banking center. See “Item1-Business” for recent developments.


Primary Factors Used to Evaluate Our Business
Results of Operations. In addition to net income or loss, the primary factors we use to evaluate and manage our results of operations include net interest income, noninterest income and expenses, ROA and ROE.indicators of financial performance including return on assets (“ROA”) and return on equity (“ROE”). We also use certain non-GAAP financial measures in the internal evaluation and management of our businesses.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income represents interest income less interest expense. We generate interest income from interest, dividends and fees received on interest-earning assets, including loans and investment securities we own. We incur interest expense from interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, including interest-bearing deposits, and borrowings such as FHLB advances and other borrowings such as repurchase agreements, senior notes, debentures and junior subordinated debentures.other funding sources we may have from time to time. Net interest income typically is the most significant contributor to our revenues and net income. To evaluate net interest income, we measure and monitor: (i) yields on our loans and other interest-earning assets; (ii) the costs of our deposits and other funding sources; (iii) our net interest spread; (iv) our net interest margin, or NIM; and (v) our provisions for loancredit losses. Net interest spread is the difference between rates earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. NIM is calculated by dividing net interest income for the period by average interest-earning assets during that same period. Because noninterest-bearing sources of funds, such as noninterest-bearing deposits and stockholders’ equity, also fund interest-earning assets, NIM includes the benefit of these noninterest-bearing sources of funds. Non-refundable loan origination fees, net of direct costs of originating loans, as well as premiums or discounts paid on loan purchases, are deferred and recognized over the life of the related loan as an adjustment to interest income in accordance with GAAP.generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
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Changes in market interest rates and the interest we earn on interest-earning assets, or which we pay on interest-bearing liabilities, as well as the volumes and the types of interest-earning assets, interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing liabilities and stockholders’ equity, usually have the largest impact on periodic changes in our net interest spread, NIM and net interest income. We measure net interest income before and after the provision for loancredit losses.
Noninterest Income. Noninterest income consists of, among other revenue streams: (i) service fees on deposit accounts; (ii) income from brokerage, advisory and fiduciary activities; (iii) benefits from and changes in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance, or BOLI, policies; (iv) card and trade finance servicing fees; (v) data processing and fees for other services provided to the Former Parent and its affiliates; (vi) securities gains or losses; (vii)(vi) net gains and losses on early extinguishment of FHLB advances;advances which we may execute from time to time as part of asset/liability management activities; (vii) income from derivative transaction with customers; (viii) derivative gains or losses; (ix) gains or losses on the sale of properties ; and (viii)(x) other noninterest income.income which includes mortgage banking revenue. See “Item 1- Business” for more details.
Our income from service fees on deposit accounts is affected primarily by the volume, growth and mix of deposits we hold and volume of transactions initiated by customers (i.e. wire transfers). These are affected by prevailing market pricing of deposit services, interest rates, our marketing efforts and other factors.
Our income from brokerage, advisory and fiduciary activities consists of brokerage commissions related to our customers’ trading volume, fiduciary and investment advisory fees generally based on a percentage of the average value of assets under management and custody (“AUMs”AUM”), and account administrative services and ancillary fees during the contractual period. Our AUMs totaled $2.0 billion at December 31, 2020, an increase of $156.5 million, or 8.6%, from $1.8 billion at December 31, 2019. This increase in AUM in 2020 was mainly driven by net new assets of $105.0 million, representing an increase of 5.8% in AUM, as the Company’s sales team continued to execute against the Company’s relationship-centric strategy, successfully increasing share of wallet of existing customers and acquiring new customers by leveraging the Company's broad commercial and branch network. In addition, the increase in AUM in 2020, includes the market valuation effect in 2020. The Company remains focused on growing AUM, both domestically and internationally, in efforts to further build up the franchise and strengthen the Company’s fee-driven business.
Income from changes in the cash surrender value of our BOLI policies represents the amounts that may be realized under the contracts with the insurance carriers, which are nontaxable. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company restructured certain of its BOLI contracts, by surrendering existing lower-yielding policies and reinvesting the proceeds in higher-yielding policies. This transaction is expected to increase income from this source prospectively.
Credit card issuance fees are generally recognized over the period in which the cardholders are entitled to use the cards.
Interchange fees, other fees and revenue sharing are recognized when earned. Trade finance servicing fees, which primarily include commissions on letters of credit, are generally recognized over the service period on a straight line basis. Card servicing fees have included credit card issuance andinclude credit and debit card interchange fees and other fees.
We revised our card program to continue to serve our card customers, reduce risks and increase the efficiency of a relatively small program. Wehave also entered into referral arrangements with recognized U.S.-based card issuers, which will permit us to serve our international and domestic customers and we will earn referral fees and share interchange revenue without exposure to credit risk. Our credit card issuance and interchange fees, and interest, decreased in 2020 compared to 2019, as we ceased to be a direct card issuer early in 2020.

In 2019 and prior periods, we historically provided certain administrative services to the Former Parent’s non-U.S. affiliates under certain administrative and transition service agreements with arms-length terms and pricing. Income from this source was generally based on the direct costs associated with providing the services plus a markup, and reviewed periodically. These fees were paid by our Former Parent and its non-U.S. affiliates in U.S. Dollars. In 2019, we were paid approximately $1.0 million for these services. These administrative and transition services ended in 2019, therefore, we earned no fees for these services in 2020. Our Former Parent’s non-U.S. affiliates have also provided, and continue to provide, certain shareholder services to us under a service agreement.

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Our gains and losses on sales of securities are derived from sales from our securities portfolio and are primarily dependent on changes in U.S. Treasury interest rates and asset liability management activities. Generally, as U.S. Treasury rates increase, our securities portfolio decreases in market value, and as U.S. Treasury rates decrease, our securities portfolio increases in value.
Our We also recognize unrealized gains or losses on sales of property and equipment are recorded at the date of the sale and presented as other noninterest income or expensechanges in the period they occur. valuation of marketable equity securities not held for trading.
Our feesfee income generated on customer intersetinterest rate swaps and other loan level derivatives are reportedprimarily dependent on volume of transactions completed with customers and are included in othernoninterest income.
Derivatives unrealized net gains and derivatives unrealized net losses are primarily derived from changes in market value of uncovered interest rate caps with clients.

Other noninterest income includes mortgage banking income generated through our subsidiary Amerant Mortgage, and consists of gain on sale of loans, gain on loans market valuation, other fees and smaller sources of income. Mortgage banking income was $4.5 million and $3.4 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Amerant Mortgage commenced operations in May 2021.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expenses generally increase as our business grows and whenever necessary to implement or enhance policies and procedures for regulatory compliance, and other purposes.
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Noninterest expense consists among other things of: (i) salaries and employee benefits; (ii) occupancy and equipment expenses; (iii) professional and other services fees; (iv) loan-level derivative expenses; (v) FDIC deposit and business insurance assessments and premiums; (v)(vi) telecommunication and data processing expenses; (vi)(vii) depreciation and amortization; (viii) advertising and (vii)marketing expenses; (ix) other real estate and repossessed assets, net; (x) contract termination costs, (ix) losses on sale of assets, and (x) other operating expenses.

Salaries and employee benefits include compensation (including severance expenses)expenses which we generally consider non-routine), employee benefits and employer tax expenses for our personnel. Salaries and employee benefits are partially offset by costs directly related to the origination of loans, which are deferred and amortized over the life of the related loans as adjustments to interest income in accordance with GAAP.
Occupancy expense includesconsists of lease expense on our leased properties, including right-of-use or ROU asset impairment charges, and other occupancy-related expenses. Equipment expense includes furniture, fixtures and equipment related expenses. Rental income associated with subleasing portions of the Company’s headquarters building and the subleasing of the New York office space, primarily, is included as a reduction to rent expense under lease agreements under occupancy and equipment cost.

Professional and other services fees include the cost of outsourced services and other professional consulting fees associated with our transition to a new core banking platform, legal, accounting and related consulting fees, card processing fees, director’s fees, regulatory agency fees, such as OCC examination fees, and other fees related to our business operations,operations.
Loan-level derivative expenses are incurred in back-to-back derivative transactions with commercial loan clients and with brokers. The Company pays a fee upon inception of the back-to-back derivative transactions, corresponding to the spread between a wholesale rate and a retail rate.
Contract termination costs represent estimated expenses to terminate contracts before the end of their terms, and are recognized when the Company terminates a contract in accordance with its terms, generally considered the time when the Company gives written notice to the counterparty within the notification period contractually established, or when Company determines that it no longer derives economic benefits from the contracts. Contract termination costs also include director’s feesexpenses associated with the abandonment of existing capitalized projects which are no longer expected to be completed as a result of a contract termination. Changes to initial estimated expenses to terminate contracts resulting from revisions to timing or the amount of estimated cash flows are recognized in the period of the changes.

Advertising expenses include the costs of promoting the Amerant brand, as well as the costs associated with promoting the Company’s products and regulatory agency fees, suchservices to create positive awareness, or consideration to buy the Company’s products and services. These costs include expenses to produce, deliver and communicate advertisements using available media and technologies, primarily streaming and other digital advertising platforms. Advertising expenses are expensed as OCC examination fees.incurred, except for media production costs which are expensed upon the first airing of the advertisement.

FDIC deposit and business insurance assessments and premiums include deposit insurance, net of any credits applied against these premiums, corporate liability and other business insurance premiums.
Telecommunication and data processing expenses include expenses paid to our third-party data processing system providers and other telecommunication and data service providers.providers, as well as expenses related to the disposition of fixed assets due to the write off of in-development software in 2023.
Depreciation and amortization expense includes the value associated with the depletion of the value on our owned properties and equipment, including leasehold improvements made to our leased properties.
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OREO and repossessed assets expense includes expenses and revenue (rental income) from the operation of foreclosed property/assets as well as fair value adjustments and gains/losses from the sale of OREO and repossessed assets. In 2023, OREO and repossessed assets expense is presented separately in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). In 2022, while OREO valuation expense was presented separately, all other OREO-related expenses were presented as part of other operating expenses in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. We had no other repossessed assets in 2022.

Other operating expenses include advertising, marketing (including rebranding expenses), community engagement, business development and other operational expenses. OtherIn addition, in 2023, other operating expensesexpense include the incrementalan impairment charge of $2.0 million on an investment carried at cost associated with servicing the large numberand included as part of shareholders resulting from the Spin-off.other assets, as well as other non-routine items. Other operating expenses are partially offset by other operating expenses directly related to the origination of loans, which are deferred and amortized over the life of the related loans as adjustments to interest income in accordance with GAAP.
Noninterest expenses generally increase as our business growsin 2023 and whenever necessary2022 include salaries and employee benefits, mortgage lending costs and professional and other service fees in connection with Amerant Mortgage’s ongoing business.

Non-routine noninterest expense items include restructuring expenses and other non-routine noninterest expenses. Restructuring expenses are those incurred for actions designed to implement or enhance policiesthe Company’s business strategy. These actions include, but are not limited to reductions in workforce, streamlining operational processes, promoting the Amerant brand, decommissioning of legacy technologies, enhanced sales tools and procedurestraining, expanded product offerings and improved customer analytics to identify opportunities. Other non-routine noninterest expenses include the effect of non-routine items such as the valuation of OREO and loans held for regulatory compliance. During 2020, 2019sale, the sale of repossessed assets, and 2018, we incurred in restructuringimpairment of investments.

The table below shows a detail of non-routine noninterest expenses of approximately $11.9 million , $5.0 million and $6.4 million, respectively, which included: (i) stafffor the periods presented.

Years Ended December 31,

(in thousands)
202320222021
Non-routine noninterest expense items
Restructuring costs:
Staff reduction costs (1)
$4,006 $3,018 $3,604 
Contract termination costs (2)
1,550 7,103 — 
Consulting and other professional fees and software expenses (3)
6,379 3,625 1,689 
Digital transformation expenses— 45 412 
Disposition of fixed assets (4)
1,419 — — 
Branch closure expenses and related charges (5)
2,279 1,612 1,352 
Total restructuring costs$15,633 $15,403 $7,057 
Other non-routine noninterest expense items:
Losses on loans held for sale (6)
43,057 159 — 
Loss on sale of repossessed assets and other real estate owned valuation expense (7)
2,649 3,408 — 
Goodwill and intangible assets impairment1,713 — — 
Bank owned life insurance enhancement costs (8)
1,137 — — 
Impairment charge on investment carried at cost
1,963 — — 
Total non-routine noninterest expense items$66,152 $18,970 $7,057 
____________
(1)    Staff reduction costs consist of severance expenses related to organizational rationalization.
(2)    Contract termination and related costs associated with third party vendors resulting from the Company’s engagement of FIS.

(3) In 2023, includes an aggregate of $6.4 million $1.5of nonrecurrent expenses in connection with the engagement of FIS and, to a lesser extent, software expenses related to legacy applications running in parallel to new core banking applications. In 2022, includes: (i) $2.9 million and $4.7resulting from the Company’s transition to our new technology provider; (ii) $0.2 million in 2020, 2019connection with certain search and 2018, respectively; (ii) digital transformation expenses and branch closure expenserecruitment expenses; (iii) $0.1 million of $3.1 million and $2.4 million, respectively, in 2020; (iii) rebranding costs associated with the subleasing of $3.6 million and $0.4 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively,the New York office space, and (iv) an aggregate $1.3of $0.4 million in legal, strategyother non-routine expenses. In 2021, includes additional expenses of $1.5 million, including: (i) $0.8 million of expenses in connection with the “Clean-up Merger” and advisory costsrelated transactions (See-Capital Resources for more information on the ‘Clean-up Merger”), and other costs in 2018.(ii) $0.7 million resulting from the Company’s transition to our new technology provider.
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(4) In 2023, includes expenses in connection with the disposition of fixed assets due to the write-off of in-development software.
(5) In 2023, includes expenses of $0.5 million ROU impairment in connection with the closure of a branch in Houston, Texas and $0.9 million of accelerated amortization of leasehold improvements and $0.6 million of right-of-use or “ROU” asset impairment associated with the closure of a branch in Miami, Florida. In 2022, includes $1.6 million of ROU asset impairment associated with the closure of a branch in Pembroke Pines, Florida in 2022. In 2021, includes $0.8 million of ROU asset impairment associated with the lease of the NY loan production office. In addition, In 2022 and 2021, includes lease termination expenses associated with the closure of a branch in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2021.
(6)    In 2023, includes: (i) a fair value adjustment of $35.5 million related to an aggregate of $401 million in Houston-based CRE loans held for sale which are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, and (ii) a loss on sale of $2.0 million related to a New York-based CRE loan previously carried at the lower of fair value or cost. In addition, in 2023, includes a fair value adjustment of $5.6 million related to a New York-based CRE loan held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value. In 2022, amount represents the fair value adjustment related to the New York loan portfolio held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value.
(7)    In 2023, amount represents the loss on sale of repossessed assets in connection with our equipment-financing activities. In 2022, amount represents the fair value adjustment related to one OREO property in New York.
(8)     In 2023, the Company completed a restructuring of its bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) program. This was executed through a combination of a 1035 exchange and a surrender and reinvestment into a higher-yielding general account with a new investment grade insurance carrier. This transaction allowed for higher team member participation through an enhanced split-dollar plan. Estimated improved yields resulting from the enhancement have an earn-back period of approximately 2 years. In 2023, we recorded total additional expenses and charges of $4.6 million in connection with this transaction, including: (i) a reduction of $0.7 million to the cash surrender value of BOLI; (ii) transaction costs of $1.1 million, and (iii) income tax expense of $2.8 million.

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Primary Factors Used to Evaluate Our Financial Condition
The primary factors we use to evaluate and manage our financial condition include asset quality, capital and liquidity.
Asset Quality. We manage the diversification and quality of our assets based upon factors that include the level, distribution and risks in each category of assets. Problem assets may be categorized as classified, delinquent, nonaccrual, nonperforming and restructured assets. We also manage the adequacy of our allowance for loancredit losses, or the allowance, the diversification and quality of loan and investment portfolios, the extent of counterparty risks, credit risk concentrations and other factors.
On January 1, 2022, the Company adopted ASC Topic 326 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, which replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. See Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K for more details on the adoption of CECL by the Company. We review and update our allowance for loanexpected credit losses periodically to calibrate loss model annually to better reflectestimation models based on our loan volumes, and credit and economic conditions in our markets. The modelmodels may differ among our loan segments to reflect their different asset types, and includes qualitative factors, which are updated semi-annually,periodically based on the type of loan.loan and other factors.

Capital. Financial institution regulators have established minimum capital ratios for banks and bank holding companies. We manage capital based upon factors that include: (i) the level and quality of capital and our overall financial condition; (ii) the trend and volume of problem assets; (iii) the adequacy of reserves; (iv) the level and quality of earnings; (v) the risk exposures in our balance sheet under various scenarios, including stressed conditions; (vi) the Tier 1 capital ratio, the total capital ratio, the Tier 1 leverage ratio, and the CET1 capital ratio; (vii) the tangible equity ratio, and (vii)(viii) other factors, including market conditions.
Liquidity. Our deposit base consists primarily of personal and commercial accounts maintained by individuals and businesses in our primary markets and select international core depositors. In recent years, we have increased our fully-insured brokered time deposits under $250,000. In addition, in 2020, theThe Company began offering interest-bearing deposit products to broker-dealer firms through a third-party deposit broker network, including brokered money market and brokered interest bearing demand deposit accounts. However, we remainis focused on relationship-driven core deposits. The Company may also use third party providers of domestic sources of deposits as part of its balance sheet management strategies. We define core deposits as total deposits excluding all time deposits. This definition of core deposits differs from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s (the “FFIEC”) Uniform Bank Performance Report (the “UBPR”) definition of “core deposits,” which exclude brokered time deposits and retail time deposits of more than $250,000. See “Core Deposits” discussion for more details.

We manage liquidity based upon factors that include the amount of core deposit relationships as a percentage of total deposits, the level of diversification of our funding sources, the allocation and amount of our deposits among deposit types, the short-term funding sources used to fund assets, the amount of non-deposit funding used to fund assets, the availability of unused funding sources, off-balance sheet obligations, the amount of cash and liquid securities we hold, the availability of assets readily convertible into cash without undue loss, the characteristics and maturities of our assets when compared to the characteristics of our liabilities and other factors.

Material Trends and Developments
COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization recognized an outbreak of a novel strain of the coronavirus, COVID-19, as a pandemic.
On March 13, 2020, the President of the Unites States of America (U.S.) declared a national state of emergency. In response to this outbreak, the governments of many states, cities and municipalities in the U.S., including the States of Florida, New York and Texas, have taken preventative or protective actions, such as imposing restrictions on business operations and advising or requiring individuals to limit or forego their time outside of their homes.
Business Continuity Plan Activated
The health and well-being of the Company’s employees, customers, and local communities remains paramount while the Company continues to provide the necessary services and products to customers with minimal disruption.
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Table of ContentsSeasonality.

On March 16, 2020, we activated the Company's well-established Business Continuity Plan, or BCP. The BCP has effectively ensured the Company's resilient platform continues to operate during these extraordinary times, and has allowed us to continue providing the quality of products and services our customers have come to expect. The plan is supported and complemented by a robust business continuity governance framework, life safety program and annual enterprise-wide exercise and training program. The Company’s BCP plan is framed based on industry best practices and regulatory guidelines and is subject to periodic testing and independent audits. On June 3, 2020, the Company started Phase 1 of reintroducing employees working remotely back to the workplace. As a result, banking centers returned to regular business hours, following strict federal, state and local government guidelines supporting the safety of our employees and our customers. In the third quarter of 2020, we began to roll out a new phase of reintroducing an increased number of employees back to the office, excluding those who face challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic that would prevent them from returning. To support these efforts, we have ramped up safety protocols, including implementing staggered schedules, in an abundance of caution to protect the health and safety of our employees. The Company’s banking centers continue to operate on a regular schedule under strict federal, state and local government safety guidelines. The Company continues to focus on serving customers without interruption, while maintaining a safe environment.

Supporting Our Communities
Beginning on March 26, 2020, we began providing an array of tangible and meaningful support measures to support our customers and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures include waiving the Bank’s ATM fees for customers and non-customers, late payment fees on all consumer and business loans, and deposit account fees on a case-by-case basis. Measures related to waiving of fees, with the exception of late payment fees on loans, were discontinued during the third quarter. The Bank is also refraining from reporting negative information such as past due balances to credit bureaus, and, importantly, offering individualized loan payment assistance such as interest payment deferral and forbearance options. Additionally, in April 2020, the Bank increased its mobile check deposit limits. All of these efforts align with regulatory guidance aimed at helping customers and communities, while remaining prudent and manageable, and will continue until further notice.
CARES Act
On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act, an approximately $2.0 trillion COVID-19 response bill, to provide emergency economic relief to individuals, small businesses, mid-size companies, large corporations, hospitals and other public health facilities, and state and local governments, was enacted. The CARES Act allocated the SBA $350.0 billion to provide loans of up to $10.0 million per small business as defined in the CARES Act. On April 2, 2020, the Bank began participating in the SBA’s PPP, by providing loans to these businesses to cover payroll, rent, mortgage, healthcare, and utilities costs, among other essential expenses. On April 24, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, adding funding to the PPP, was enacted. On July 4, 2020, new legislation was signed into law that extended the availability of loans from June 30, 2020 until August 8, 2020. On August 8, 2020, legislation providing funds through the PPP program expired. As of December 31, 2020, total PPP loans were $198.5 million, representing over 2,000 loans approved. Approximately 90% of these loans were under $350,000 each and represented approximately 51% of the PPP loan balances.The Company estimates as of December 31, 2020, there were $95.4 million of deposits related to PPP loans primarily funded in the second quarter of 2020. In January 2021, the Company started to process new applications and obtain approvals from the SBA in round three of the PPP authorized under a new law enacted on December 27, 2020.

Main Street Lending
The Company originated loans as part of the MSLP in the fourth quarter of 2020. Under this program, which ran through January 8, 2021, the Federal Reserve purchased 95% of each qualifying loan originated by the Company under such program to small and mid-sized businesses. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company received fees of approximately $0.5 million from the origination of $56.3 million of loans in this program as of December 31, 2020.
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Loan Loss Reserve and Mitigation Programs
On March 26, 2020, the Company began offering loan payment relief options to customers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including deferral and/or forbearance options. These programs continued in the second third and fourth quarters of 2020. Loans which have been modified under these programs totaled $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, $43.4 million, or 0.7% of total loans, were still under the deferral and/or forbearance period. The balance as of December 31, 2020 includes $15.8 million of loans under a second deferral and $26.8 million under a third deferral, which the Company began to selectively offer as additional temporary loan modifications under programs that allow it to extend the deferral and/or forbearance period beyond 180 days. In accordance with accounting and regulatory guidance, loans to borrowers benefiting from these measures are not considered TDRs. The Company is closely monitoring the performance of these loans under the terms of the temporary relief granted.

The following table summarizes the loan balances in these programs as of December 31, 2020, September 30, 2020, June 30, 2020 and May 1, 2020:
Program DetailDecember 31, 2020September 30, 2020June 30, 2020May 1, 2020
(in thousands)
90-day payment deferral; interest added to principal balance upon modification and continues to accrue each month$38,627 $73,400 $349,166 $451,076 
90-day interest payment deferral with no escrow payments4,457 23,049 133,761 441,212 
90-day interest payment deferral including escrow payments280 4,748 150,464 196,809 
180-day interest payment deferral— — 20,973 29,906 
$43,364 $101,197 $654,364 $1,119,003 
The Company performed a comprehensive review of its loan exposures by industry to identify those most susceptible to increased credit risk as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company estimated the outstanding loan portfolio is represented by loans to borrowers in industries, or with collateral values, that are potentially more vulnerable to the financial impact of the pandemic to be approximately 45% at December 31, 2020, compared to 33% at March 31, 2020. The Company estimates approximately 67% of these loans are secured with real estate collateral at December 31, 2020, compared to 49% at March 31, 2020.
The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $88.6 million in 2020, compared to a reversal of loan losses of $3.2 million in 2019.The increase in provision for loan losses in 2020 was mainly driven by additional specific reserve requirements due to loan portfolio deterioration as well as estimated probable losses reflecting deterioration in the macro-economic environment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic across multiple impacted sectors.

The Company consistently reviews its existing credit approval practices to ensure that sound and prudent underwriting standards continue to drive the Company’s business relationships. As a result, the Company enhanced the monitoring of its entire loan portfolio and has proactively increased the frequency of periodic reviews and conversations with loan customers in anticipation of their future needs, which aligns with our relationship-centric banking model.
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Risks and Uncertainties
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely restricted the level of economic activity in the U.S. and around the world since March 2020. Several states and cities across the U.S., including the States of Florida, New York and Texas and cities where we have banking centers, LPOs and where our principal place of business is located, have also implemented quarantines, restrictions on travel, “shelter at home” orders, and restrictions on types of business that may continue to operate. While some of these measures and restrictions have been lifted and most businesses began to reopen, the Company cannot predict when restrictions currently in place may be lifted, or whether restrictions that have been lifted will need to be imposed or tightened in the future if viewed as necessary due to public health concerns. Given the uncertainty regarding the spread and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse effects on the U.S. and global economies, the impact to the Company’s financial statements cannot be accurately predicted at this time. See—Risk Factors under Part I, Item 1A in this Form 10-K.
Seasonality
Our loan production, generally, is subject to seasonality, with the lowest volume typically in the first quarter of each year.


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Summary Results
The summary resultsResults for the year ended December 31, 20202023 were as follows:
Total assets were $9.7 billion at December 31, 2023, up $588.5 million, or 6.4%, compared to $9.1 billion at December 31, 2022.
Total gross loans, which include the following (loans held for sale, were $7.3 billion at December 31, 2023, up $345.3 million, or 5.0%, compared to $6.9 billion at December 31, 2022.
SeeCash and cash equivalents were $321.9 million at December 31, 2023, up $31.3 million, or, 10.8%, compared to $290.6 million at December 31, 2022.
Total deposits were $7.9 billion at December 31, 2023, up $850.7 million, or 12.1%, compared to December 31, 2022.
Total advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) were $645.0 million as of December 31, 2023, down $261.5 million, or 28.8%, compared to $906.5 million as of December 31, 2022.
Average yield on loans in 2023 was 6.78%, up compared to 4.92% in 2022.
Total non-performing assets were $54.6 million as of December 31, 2023, up $17.0 million, or 45%, compared to $37.6 million as of December 31, 2022.
Allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) was $95.5 million as of December 31, 2023 up $12.0 million, or 14.4%, compared to $83.5 million as of December 31, 2022.
Core deposits were $5.6 billion, at December 31, 2023, up $281.8 million, or 5.3%, compared to $5.3 billion at December 31, 2022.
Average cost of total deposits in 2023 was 2.47% compared to 0.80% in 2022.
Loan to deposit ratio was 92.0% as of December 31, 2023 compared to 98.2% as of December 31, 2022.
Assets Under Management and custody (“AUM”) totaled $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2023 an increase of $293.5 million, or 14.7%, compared to $2.0 billion as of December 31, 2022.
Pre-provision net revenue (“PPNR”)1 Item 6, “ Selected Financial Data” forwas $104.3 million in 2023, an explanationincrease of non-GAAP financial measures):$10.4 million, or 11.1%, compared to $93.9 million in 2022. Core PPNR1 was $142.0 million in 2023, an increase of $36.5 million, or 34.6%, compared to $105.5 million in 2022.
Net loss for the full-year 2020interest margin was $1.7 million, compared to net income of $51.3 million3.76% in full-year 2019. Net loss for the full-year 2020 was primarily driven by $88.6 million2023, up 23 basis points from 3.53% in provision for loan losses during the period. Diluted loss per share of $0.04 in 2020, compared to diluted income per share of $1.20 in 2019 on a GAAP basis.2022.
Net interest income for the full-year 2020 was $189.6 million, down 11.0% compared to $213.1$326.5 million in 2019. The NIM for full-year 2020 declined to 2.52%2023, up $59.8 million, or 22.4%, from 2.85%, primarily attributed lower yields on interest earning assets, partially offset by lower costs of deposits and wholesale funding as well as higher average balance of earning assets.$266.7 million in 2022.
The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of loan losses for $88.6$61.3 million during 2020,in 2023, compared to a $3.2$13.9 million release of provision during 2019. The ratio of ALL to total loans was 1.90% as of December 31, 2020, up from 0.91% at the end of 2019. The ratio of net charge-offs to average total loans in 2020 was 0.52%, up from 0.11% in 2019.2022.
Noninterest income was $73.5 million for the full-year of 2020, up 28.6% from $57.1$87.5 million in 2019, driven by gains on sale of securities during 2020 and an increase2023, up $20.2 million, or 30.1%, from $67.3 million in broker, advisory and fiduciary fee income, partially offset by a $1.7 million loss on the sale of the Beacon Operations Center recorded in 2020. Also included in 2019 was a $2.8 million gain on the sale of vacant Beacon land .2022.
Noninterest expense was $178.7 million for the full-year 2020, down 14.6% from $209.3$311.4 million in 2019, mainly driven by lower salaries and employee benefits resulting2023, up $69.9 million, or 29.0%, from staff reductions, changes to variable and long-term incentive programs, and deferred PPP loan origination costs from loans originated$241.4 million in 2020. Partially offsetting these declines were additional staff reduction costs, digital transformation expenses, depreciation and amortization expense in connection with branch closures in 2020 and higher FDIC assessment and insurance expenses. Adjusted noninterest expense for the full-year 2020 was $166.8 million, down 18.3% compared to $204.3 million for 2019.2022.
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The efficiency ratio was 68.0% (63.0% adjusted for restructuring costs and the one-time loss on sale of the Beacon operations center)75.21% for the full-year 2020,2023 compared to 77.5% (76.4% adjusted72.29% for restructuring costs and the gain on sale of vacant Beacon land in 2019).full-year 2022.
Total loans were $5.8 billionReturn on December 31, 2020, up $98.0 million or 1.7%average assets (“ROA”) was 0.34% for the full-year 2023 compared to December 31, 2019. Total deposits were $5.7 billion on December 31, 2020, down $25.5 million, or 0.4% from $5.8 billion at year-end 2019.0.77% for the full-year 2022.
Stockholders’ book value per common share increasedReturn on average equity (“ROE”) was 4.39% for the full-year 2023 compared to $20.70 at 8.45% for the full-year 2022.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (“AOCL) was $70.8 million as of December 31, 2020, representing2023, an 7.0% improvement of $9.8 million, or 12.2%, compared to $19.35$80.6 million as of December 31, 2022.

1 Non-GAAP measure, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for 2019. Tangible book value per common share rosea reconciliation to $20.13, a 6.8% improvement compared to $18.84 at year-end 2019, which includes accretion of $0.75, or 3.85%%, to the Company’s tangible book value per common share at the close of 2020 as a result of the Tender Offer.GAAP.
7570

Results of Operations - Comparison of Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 20202023 and 20192022

Net (loss) income
The table below sets forth certain results of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018:2021:
(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)Years Ended December 31,Change
2020201920182020 vs 20192019 vs 2018
Net interest income$189,552 $213,088 $219,039 $(23,536)(11.0)%$(5,951)(2.7)%
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses88,620 (3,150)375 91,770 NM(3,525)(940.0)%
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) loan losses100,932 216,238 218,664 (115,306)(53.3)%(2,426)(1.1)%
Noninterest income73,470 57,110 53,875 16,360 28.6 %3,235 6.0 %
Noninterest expense178,736 209,317 214,973 (30,581)(14.6)%(5,656)(2.6)%
(Loss) income before income tax(4,334)64,031 57,566 (68,365)(106.8)%6,465 11.2 %
Income tax benefit (expense)2,612 (12,697)(11,733)15,309 (120.6)%(964)8.2 %
Net (loss) income$(1,722)$51,334 $45,833 $(53,056)(103.4)%$5,501 12.0 %
Basic (loss) earnings per common share$(0.04)$1.21 $1.08 $(1.25)(103.3)%$0.13 12.0 %
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share (1)$(0.04)$1.20 $1.08 $(1.24)(103.3)%$0.12 11.1 %
(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)Years Ended December 31,Change
2023202220212023 vs 20222022 vs 2021
Net interest income$326,464 $266,665 $205,141 $59,799 22.4 %$61,524 30.0 %
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses61,277 13,945 (16,500)47,332 339.4 %30,445 (184.5)%
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses265,187 252,720 221,641 12,467 4.9 %31,079 14.0 %
Noninterest income87,496 67,277 120,621 20,219 30.1 %(53,344)(44.2)%
Noninterest expense311,355 241,413 198,242 69,942 29.0 %43,171 21.8 %
Income before income tax expense41,328 78,584 144,020 (37,256)(47.4)%(65,436)(45.4)%
Income tax expense(10,539)(16,621)(33,709)6,082 36.6 %17,088 (50.7)%
Net income before attribution of noncontrolling interest30,789 61,963 110,311 (31,174)(50.3)%(48,348)(43.8)%
Less: noncontrolling interest(1,701)(1,347)(2,610)(354)(26.3)%1,263 (48.4)%
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.$32,490 $63,310 $112,921 $(30,820)(48.7)%$(49,611)(43.9)%
Basic earnings per common share$0.97 $1.87 $3.04 $(0.90)(48.1)%$(1.17)(38.5)%
Diluted earnings per common share (1)
$0.96 $1.85 $3.01 $(0.89)(48.1)%$(1.16)(38.5)%
__________________
(1)    At December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, potential dilutive instruments consist of unvested shares of restricted stock, and restricted stock units totaling 248,750, 530,620 and 794,529, respectively, mainly related to the Company’s IPO in 2018.performance stock units. See Note 2123 to our audited annual consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K for details on the dilutive effects of the issuance of restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance stock units on earnings per share in 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018.2021.

2020
2023 compared to 20192022

In 2020,2023, net income attributable to the Company reportedwas $32.5 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, compared to net income of $63.3 million, or $1.85 per diluted share, in 2022. The decrease of $30.8 million, or 48.7% , in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to higher non-interest expense and higher provision for credit losses. The decrease was partially offset by higher net interest income and higher noninterest income.

In 2023 and 2022, net income attributable to the Company excludes a net loss of $1.7 million or $0.04 diluted loss per share, comparedand $1.3 million, respectively, attributable to the non-controlling interest of Amerant Mortgage. At December 31, 2022, the Company had an ownership interest of 80% in Amerant Mortgage which then increased to 100% in the fourth quarter of 2023. This increase in ownership had no material impact to the Company’s results of operations in the year ended December 31, 2023. In connection with the change in ownership interest, which brought the noncontrollling interest in the equity of Amerant Mortgage to zero, the Company derecognized the equity attributable to noncontrolling interest of $3.8 million at December 31, 2023, with a net income of $51.3 million, or $1.20 per diluted earnings per sharecorresponding reduction to additional paid-in capital. See “Item 1 - Business Developments” in 2019. The net loss in 2020 is mainly attributable to: (i) the $88.6 million provision for loan losses in 2020 compared to a reversal of loan losses of $3.2 million in 2019, and (ii) a decrease of $23.5 million in net interest income compared to 2019. These results were partially offset by: (i) a decline of $30.6 million in noninterest expense compared to 2019 primarily due to lower salaries and employee expenses; (ii) an increase of $16.4 million in noninterest income mainly driven by higher net gains on securities in 2020, and (iii) the income tax benefit of $2.6 million in 2020 compared to an income tax expense of $12.7 million in 2019.
Net interest income declined to $189.6 million in 2020 from $213.1 million in 2019, a decrease of $23.5 million or 11.0%, mainly as a result of lower average yields on interest earning assets.This was partially offset by lower deposit and lower wholesale funding costs and higher average interest-earning asset balances. See “-Net interest Income” this Form 10-K for more details.details on these changes with respect to our subsidiary Amerant Mortgage.
The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $88.6 million in 2020, compared to a reversal of loan losses of $3.2 million in 2019, primarily due to the estimated probable losses reflecting deterioration of our loan portfolio due to the COVID-19 pandemic and specific reserves requirements on a commercial loan relationship in 2020. See “-Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses” for more details.
Noninterest income increased to $73.5 million in 2020 from $57.1 million in 2019, an increase $16.4 million, or 28.6%. This increase was mainly the result of higher net gains of securities which increased $24.4 million in 2020 partially offset by lower other noninterest income. See “-Noninterest Income” for more details.
7671

Noninterest expense decreased to $178.7Net interest income was $326.5 million in 20202023, an increase of $59.8 million, or 22.4%, from $209.3$266.7 million in 2019, a decrease of $30.6 million, or 14.6%, mainly as result of: (i) lower salary and employee benefits mainly driven by staff reductions and lower stock-based compensation expense, a $7.8 million deferral of expenses directly related to the origination of PPP loans in accordance with GAAP, and lower incentives associated with variable and long-term bonus programs; (ii) lower other operating expenses and, (iii) lower professional and other services fees.2022. This was partially offset byprimarily due to higher depreciation and amortization expense, higher FDIC assessments and insurance expenseyields and higher occupancy and equipment expenses. In 2020 and 2019, noninterest expense included $11.9 million and $5.0 million, respectively, in restructuring costs, consisting primarilyaverage balances of staff reduction costs, digital transformation expenses and branch closure expenses (staff reduction costs and rebranding costs in 2019). The Company implemented no staffing changes in 2020 directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. See “-Noninterest Expense” for more details.
The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $2.6 million in 2020 compared to an income tax expense of $12.7 million in 2019, mainly due to the deferred tax benefit recorded in 2020 as a result of an increase in the allowance for loan losses in 2020.
Adjusted net income in 2020 was $3.7 million, or $0.09 per diluted earnings per share, a decrease of $49.4 million, or 93.0%, compared to adjusted net income of $53.1 million, or $1.24 per diluted earnings per share in 2019. In 2020, adjusted net income excludes a loss of $1.7 million on the sale of the Beacon Operations Center and restructuring costs totaling $11.9 million ($2.8 million gain on sale of the vacant Beacon land and restructuring costs of $5.0 million in 2019). Operating income was $57.3 million million in 2020, down $1.0, or 1.7%, from $58.3 million in 2019. Operating income excludes provisions for loan losses or reversals, net gains on securities and income tax expense or benefit. See “Item 6. Selected Financial Data - Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation” for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their GAAP counterparts.
2019 compared to 2018
Net income of $51.3 million and $1.20 diluted earnings per share in 2019 increased $5.5 million, or 12.0% from net income of $45.8 million and $1.08 diluted earnings per share reported in 2018.
The increase in net income is mainly attributable to: (i) lower noninterest expense compared to 2018 mostly related to lower restructuring and Spin-off costs, (ii) higher noninterest income mostly related to derivative contracts sold to loan customers, and (iii) a larger release of provision for loan loses compared to 2018.assets. These results were partially offset by lower net interest income as thehigher cost and average balances of deposits increased.and other interest-bearing liabilities. See “-Net interest Incomefor more details.
Net interest
Noninterest income declined from $219.0was $87.5 million in 20182023, an increase of $20.2 million, or 30.1%, compared to $213.1$67.3 million in 2019, a decrease of $6.0 million or 2.7%,2022. These results were mainly as a result ofdue to: (i) higher deposit costs, mostly related to time and money market deposits, as an increasing amount of foreign deposits were replaced by domestic deposits throughout the year, partially offset by higher average yields on interest earning-assets.
Noninterest income increased $3.2 million in 2019, or 6.0% compared to 2018, mainly as a result of a one-time net gain of $2.8 milliongains on the saleearly extinguishment of vacant Beacon land and higher fees on derivative contracts sold to loan customers. In addition, we had securities gains of $2.6 million in 2019, including an aggregate gain of $1.9 million on the sale of available for sale securities and a $0.7 million benefitadvances from the adoption of a new accounting standard applicable to marketable equity securities.FHLB; (ii) higher other noninterest income; (iii) higher cards and trade finance servicing fees; and (iv) higher deposits and services fees. These increases were partially offset by: (i) net losses on securities totaling $11.0 million in 2023, mainly driven by losses on the sale of certain debt securities available for sale and marketable equity securities not held for trading, compared to $3.7 million in 2022 (ii) lower loan-level derivative income, and (iii) lower brokerage, advisory and fiduciary fees, lowerfees. See “-Noninterest Incomefor more details.

Noninterest expense was $311.4 million in 2023, an increase of $69.9 million, or 29.0%, from $241.4 million in 2022. These results were mainly due to: (i) higher losses on loans held for sale which include a valuation expense of $35.5 million related to the transfer of the Houston CRE loan portfolio from loans held for investment to loans held for sale, and a total loss of $7.6 million, including a $5.6 million valuation expense and a $2.0 million loss on sale, related to a New York-based CRE loan held for sale; (ii) higher professional and other service fees; (iii) higher other operating expenses; (iv) higher salary and employee benefits; (v) higher FDIC assessments and insurance expenses; (vi) higher advertising expenses; (vii) higher depreciation and amortization expense, and (viii) higher telecommunication and data processing expenses. These increases were partially offset by: (i) lower loan-level derivative expenses; (ii) lower contract termination costs; and (iii) other fees for services provided to affiliates of the Former Parent, a net loss on the early termination of FHLB advances, lower depositreal estate owned and service fees, and lower cards and trade financing service fees. repossessed assets expense. See “-Noninterest Income” Expense”for more details.

In 2023, noninterest expense included non-routine items of $66.2 million, compared to $19.0 million in 2022. Non-routine items in noninterest expense include restructuring costs of $15.6 million and $15.4 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Other non-routine items in noninterest expense in 2023 included: (i) losses on loans held for sale which includes a valuation expense of $35.5 million related to the transfer of the Houston CRE loan portfolio from loans held for investment to loans held for sale and a total loss of $7.6 million, including a $5.6 million valuation expense and a $2.0 million loss on sale, related to a New York-based CRE loan held for sale; (ii) a $2.6 million loss on sale of repossessed assets in connection with our equipment-financing activities; (iii) a $2.0 million impairment charge on an investment carried at cost and included as part of other assets; (iv) a $1.7 million goodwill and intangible impairment charge in 2023; and (iv) $1.1 million in expenses related to the enhancement of BOLI during the fourth quarter of 2023. In 2022, other non-routine items in noninterest expense include: (i) $3.4 million valuation expense related to the fair value adjustment of an OREO property in New York, and (ii) $0.2 million valuation expense related to the change in fair value of New York loans held for sale. See “Our Company - Primary Factors Used to Evaluate Our Business” for detailed information on non-routine items in noninterest expense.

In 2023 and 2022, we incurred $14.4 million and $12.5 million, respectively, in total noninterest expenses related to Amerant Mortgage. These expenses included: (i) $10.7 million and $8.9 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to salaries and employee benefits expenses and (ii) $3.7 million and $3.6 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to mortgage lending costs, professional fees and other noninterest expenses. In addition, we had a goodwill impairment charge of $1.0 million related to Amerant Mortgage. As of December 31, 2023, Amerant Mortgage had 67 FTEs compared to 68 FTEs at December 31, 2022.

77


Noninterest expense decreased $5.7 million in 2019, or 2.6% compared to 2018, mainly as result of: (i) lower salary and employee benefit costs, (ii) lower legal and accounting and professional fees compared to the previous year when the Company completed the Spin-off, and (iii) lower FDIC related costs. Partially offsetting these reductions were higher compensation expenses related to the 2018 restricted IPO grants, resulting in $5.9 million of amortization expense in 2019. Noninterest expense includes $5.0 million of restructuring expenses in 2019, compared to $6.4 million of restructuring costs and $6.7 million of Spin-off costs in 2018. There were no Spin-off costs in 2019.
The Company released provisions of $3.2 million to the allowance for loan losses in 2019, compared to a provision of $0.4 million in 2018. The release was primarily driven by a lower loan balance and a commercial loan recovery of $0.9 million, partially offset by loss factor adjustments and an increase of $3.2 million in specific reserves.
Adjusted net income in 2019 was $53.1 million, or $1.25 adjusted earnings per share and $1.24 per adjusted diluted earnings per share, 8.3% lower than adjusted net income reported in 2018. In 2019, adjusted net income excludes a $2.8 million gain on sale of the vacant Beacon land and restructuring costs totaling $5.0 million. In 2018, adjusted net income excludes Spin-off costs of $6.7 million and restructuring costs of $6.4 million.
7872


Average Balance Sheet, Interest and Yield/Rate Analysis
The following tables present average balance sheet information, interest income, interest expense and the corresponding average yields earned and rates paid for the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018.2021. The average balances for loans include both performing and nonperforming balances. Interest income on loans includes the effects of discount accretion and the amortization of net deferrednon-refundable loan origination fees, net of direct loan origination costs as well as the amortization of net premiums/discounts on loan purchases, accounted for as yield adjustments. Average balances represent the daily average balances for the periods presented.

Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages) Average
Balances
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rates
Average
Balances
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rates
Average
Balances
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rates
(in thousands, except percentages) Average
Balances
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rates
Average
 Balances
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rates
Average
 Balances
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rates
Interest-earning assets:Interest-earning assets:
Loan portfolio, net (1)
$5,716,371 $220,898 3.86 %$5,658,196 $263,011 4.65 %$5,930,615 $257,611 4.34 %
Debt securities available for sale (2)
1,444,213 34,001 2.35 %1,508,203 40,420 2.68 %1,621,928 42,758 2.64 %
Debt securities held to maturity (3)
66,136 1,343 2.03 %80,761 1,946 2.41 %87,931 1,580 1.80 %
Loan portfolio, net (1) (2)
Loan portfolio, net (1) (2)
Loan portfolio, net (1) (2)
$7,006,919$475,405 6.78 %$5,963,190 $293,210 4.92 %$5,514,110 $216,097 3.92 %
Debt securities available for sale (3)(4)
Debt securities available for sale (3)(4)
1,053,03443,096 4.09 %1,112,590 33,187 2.98 %1,194,505 26,953 2.26 %
Debt securities held to maturity (5)
Debt securities held to maturity (5)
234,1687,997 3.42 %192,397 5,657 2.94 %97,501 2,036 2.09 %
Debt securities held for tradingDebt securities held for trading5861.19 %64 6.25 %165 3.03 %
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for tradingEquity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading24,290 452 1.86 %23,611 558 2.36 %23,019 526 2.29 %Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading2,45433 1.34 1.34 %9,560 — — — — %22,332 284 284 1.27 1.27 %
Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB stockFederal Reserve Bank and FHLB stock67,840 3,227 4.76 %68,525 4,286 6.25 %71,447 4,343 6.08 %Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB stock53,6083,727 6.95 6.95 %51,496 2,565 2,565 4.98 4.98 %53,106 2,222 2,222 4.18 4.18 %
Deposits with banksDeposits with banks202,026 633 0.31 %125,671 2,753 2.19 %141,021 2,540 1.80 %Deposits with banks322,85318,212 5.64 5.64 %231,402 4,153 4,153 1.79 1.79 %201,950 247 247 0.12 0.12 %
Other short-term investmentsOther short-term investments2,115102 4.80 %— — — %— — — %
Total interest-earning assetsTotal interest-earning assets7,520,876 260,554 3.46 %7,464,967 312,974 4.19 %7,875,961 309,358 3.93 %Total interest-earning assets8,675,737548,579 6.32 6.32 %7,560,699 338,776 338,776 4.48 4.48 %7,083,669 247,844 247,844 3.50 3.50 %
Total non-interest-earning assets less allowance for loan losses510,673 473,412 497,148 
Total non-interest-earning assets (6)
Total assets
Total assets
Total assetsTotal assets$8,031,549 $7,938,379 $8,373,109 
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Table of Contents
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages) Average
Balances
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rates
Average
 Balances
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rates
Average
 Balances
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rates
Years Ended December 31,
Interest-bearing liabilities:
202020192018
(in thousands, except percentages) Average
Balances
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rates
Average
Balances
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rates
Average
Balances
Income/
Expense
Yield/
Rates
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing liabilities:Interest-bearing liabilities:
Checking and saving accounts:Checking and saving accounts:
Interest bearing demand1,154,166 439 0.04 %1,177,031 925 0.08 %1,397,783 657 0.05 %
Checking and saving accounts:
Checking and saving accounts:
Interest bearing DDA
Interest bearing DDA
Interest bearing DDA2,486,190 62,551 2.52 %1,872,100 15,118 0.81 %1,309,699 591 0.05 %
Money marketMoney market1,165,447 7,070 0.61 %1,150,459 15,625 1.36 %1,215,635 12,840 1.06 %Money market1,226,311 42,212 42,212 3.44 3.44 %1,323,563 11,673 11,673 0.88 0.88 %1,311,278 3,483 3,483 0.27 0.27 %
SavingsSavings321,766 58 0.02 %361,069 65 0.02 %422,672 71 0.02 %Savings284,510 144 144 0.05 0.05 %319,631 135 135 0.04 0.04 %324,618 50 50 0.02 0.02 %
Total checking and saving accountsTotal checking and saving accounts2,641,379 7,567 0.29 %2,688,559 16,615 0.62 %3,036,090 13,568 0.45 %Total checking and saving accounts3,997,011 104,907 104,907 2.62 2.62 %3,515,294 26,926 26,926 0.77 0.77 %2,945,595 4,124 4,124 0.14 0.14 %
Time depositsTime deposits2,360,367 45,765 1.94 %2,344,587 51,757 2.21 %2,366,423 42,189 1.78 %Time deposits2,074,549 78,829 78,829 3.80 3.80 %1,334,605 22,124 22,124 1.66 1.66 %1,668,459 23,766 23,766 1.42 1.42 %
Total depositsTotal deposits5,001,746 53,332 1.07 %5,033,146 68,372 1.36 %5,402,513 55,757 1.03 %Total deposits6,071,560 183,736 183,736 3.03 3.03 %4,849,899 49,050 49,050 1.01 1.01 %4,614,054 27,890 27,890 0.60 0.60 %
Securities sold under agreements to repurchaseSecurities sold under agreements to repurchase252 0.40 %220 2.27 %271 2.21 %Securities sold under agreements to repurchase124 5.65 5.65 %32 3.13 3.13 %123 0.81 0.81 %
Advances from the FHLB and other borrowings (4)
1,116,899 13,168 1.18 %1,134,551 24,325 2.14 %1,200,701 26,470 2.20 %
Advances from the FHLB and other borrowings (7)
Advances from the FHLB and other borrowings (7)
805,084 28,816 3.58 %911,448 15,092 1.66 %822,769 8,595 1.04 %
Senior notesSenior notes30,686 1,968 6.41 %— — — %— — — %Senior notes59,370 3,766 3,766 6.34 6.34 %59,054 3,766 3,766 6.38 6.38 %58,737 3,768 3,768 6.42 6.42 %
Subordinated notesSubordinated notes29,370 1,445 4.92 %23,853 1,172 4.91 %— — — %
Junior subordinated debenturesJunior subordinated debentures66,402 2,533 3.81 %108,765 7,184 6.61 %118,110 8,086 6.85 %Junior subordinated debentures64,178 4,345 4,345 6.77 6.77 %64,178 3,030 3,030 4.72 4.72 %64,178 2,449 2,449 3.82 3.82 %
Total interest-bearing liabilitiesTotal interest-bearing liabilities6,215,985 71,002 1.14 %6,276,682 99,886 1.59 %6,721,595 90,319 1.34 %Total interest-bearing liabilities7,029,686 222,115 222,115 3.16 3.16 %5,908,464 72,111 72,111 1.22 1.22 %5,559,861 42,703 42,703 0.77 0.77 %
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest bearing demand depositsNon-interest bearing demand deposits876,393 791,239 846,709 
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilitiesAccounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities100,932 72,558 76,630 
Total non-interest-bearing liabilitiesTotal non-interest-bearing liabilities977,325 863,797 923,339 
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities
Total liabilities
Total liabilities
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities7,193,310 7,140,479 7,644,934 
Stockholders' equityStockholders' equity838,239 797,900 728,175 
Stockholders' equity
Stockholders' equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equityTotal liabilities and stockholders' equity$8,031,549 $7,938,379 $8,373,109 
Excess of average interest-earning assets over average interest-bearing liabilitiesExcess of average interest-earning assets over average interest-bearing liabilities$1,304,891 $1,188,285 $1,154,366 
Excess of average interest-earning assets over average interest-bearing liabilities
Excess of average interest-earning assets over average interest-bearing liabilities
Net interest income
Net interest income
Net interest incomeNet interest income$189,552 $213,088 $219,039 
Net interest rate spreadNet interest rate spread2.32 %2.60 %2.59 %
Net interest rate spread
Net interest rate spread3.16 %3.26 %2.73 %
Net interest margin (5)(8)
Net interest margin (5)(8)
2.52 %2.85 %2.78 %
Net interest margin (5)(8)
3.76 %3.53 %2.90 %
Cost of total deposits (9)
Cost of total deposits (9)
2.47 %0.80 %0.49 %
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilitiesRatio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities120.99 %118.93 %117.17 %
Average non-performing loans/ average total loans
Average non-performing loans/ average total loans
Average non-performing loans/ average total loans
__________________
(1)    AverageIncludes loans held for investment net of the allowance for credit losses, and loans held for sale. The average balance of the allowance for credit losses was $90.0 million, $57.5 million and $101.1 million in the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The average balance of total loans held for sale was $77.8 million, $117.6 million and $72.7 million in the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
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(2)    Includes average non-performing loans of $64.8$34.3 million, $27.4$30.7 million and $30.8$90.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018, respectively, are included in the average loan portfolio, net balance.2021, respectively. Interest income that would have been recognized on theseoutstanding non-performing loans totaled $2.7at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, was $4.9 million, $1.4$0.8 million and $0.9$6.2 million, respectively.
(3) Includes the average balance of net unrealized gains and losses in the fair value of debt securities available for sale. The average balance includes average net unrealized losses of $118.5 million and $62.3 million in 2020, 20192023 and 2018, respectively.2022, respectively, and average net unrealized gains of $26.6 million in 2021.
(2)(4)    Includes nontaxable securities with average balances of $72.2$17.8 million, $121.0$18.4 million and $176.1$46.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively. The tax equivalent yield for these nontaxable securities was 2.94%4.83%, 3.60%3.00% and 3.48%1.76% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively. In 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, the tax equivalent yield was calculated by assuming a 21% tax rate and dividing the actual yield by 0.79.
(3)(5)    Includes nontaxable securities with average balances of $66.1$49.8 million, $80.8$43.6 million and $87.8$50.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively. The tax equivalent yield for these nontaxable securities was 2.57%4.22%, 3.05%3.46% and 2.28%2.58% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively. In 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, the tax equivalent yield was calculated assuming a 21% tax rate and dividing the actual yield by 0.79.
(4)(6)    Excludes the allowance for credit losses.
(7)    The terms of the advance agreement require the Bank to maintain certain investment securities or loans as collateral for these advances.
(5)(8)    Net interest margin is defined as net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets, which are loans, securities, deposits with banks and other financial assets, which yield interest or similar income.
(9) Calculated based upon the average balance of total noninterest bearing and interest bearing deposits.

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Interest Rates and Operating Interest Differential
Increases and decreases in interest income and interest expense result from changes in average balances (volume) of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as changes in average interest rates. In this table, we present for the periods indicated, the changes in interest income and the changes in interest expense attributable to the changes in interest rates and the changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. For each category of assets and liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to: (i) change in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior year rate); (ii) change in rate (change in rate multiplied by prior year volume); and (iii) change in both volume and rate which is allocated to rate. See “Risk Factors— Our profitability and liquidity may be affected by changes in interest rates andis subject to interest rate levels, the shape of the yield curve and economic conditions.risk.
Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Income
2020 vs 20192019 vs 2018
Attributable toAttributable to
Increase in Net Interest Income
2023 vs 2022
2023 vs 2022
2023 vs 2022
Attributable to
Attributable to
Attributable to
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
(in thousands)(in thousands)VolumeRateTotalVolumeRateTotal
Interest income attributable to:Interest income attributable to:
Interest income attributable to:
Interest income attributable to:
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, net
Loan portfolio, netLoan portfolio, net$2,704 $(44,817)$(42,113)$(11,833)$17,233 $5,400 
Debt securities available for saleDebt securities available for sale(1,715)(4,704)(6,419)(2,998)660 (2,338)
Debt securities available for sale
Debt securities available for sale
Debt securities held to maturityDebt securities held to maturity(352)(251)(603)(129)495 366 
Debt securities held to maturity
Debt securities held to maturity
Debt securities held for trading
Debt securities held for trading
Debt securities held for trading
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for tradingEquity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading16 (122)(106)14 18 32 
Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB stockFederal Reserve Bank and FHLB stock(43)(1,016)(1,059)(178)121 (57)
Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB stock
Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB stock
Deposits with banksDeposits with banks1,673 (3,793)(2,120)(276)489 213 
Deposits with banks
Deposits with banks
Other short-term investments
Other short-term investments
Other short-term investments
Total interest-earning assets
Total interest-earning assets
Total interest-earning assetsTotal interest-earning assets$2,283 $(54,703)$(52,420)$(15,400)$19,016 $3,616 
Interest expense attributable to:Interest expense attributable to:
Interest expense attributable to:
Interest expense attributable to:
Checking and saving accounts:
Checking and saving accounts:
Checking and saving accounts:Checking and saving accounts:
Interest bearing demandInterest bearing demand$(18)$(468)$(486)$(104)$372 $268 
Interest bearing demand
Interest bearing demand
Money market
Money market
Money marketMoney market204 (8,759)(8,555)(688)3,473 2,785 
SavingsSavings(7)— (7)(10)(6)
Savings
Savings
Total checking and saving accounts
Total checking and saving accounts
Total checking and saving accountsTotal checking and saving accounts179 (9,227)(9,048)(802)3,849 3,047 
Time depositsTime deposits348 (6,340)(5,992)(389)9,957 9,568 
Time deposits
Time deposits
Total deposits
Total deposits
Total depositsTotal deposits527 (15,567)(15,040)(1,191)13,806 12,615 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchaseSecurities sold under agreements to repurchase— (4)(4)(1)— (1)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Advances from the FHLB and other borrowings
Advances from the FHLB and other borrowings
Advances from the FHLB and other borrowingsAdvances from the FHLB and other borrowings(378)(10,779)(11,157)(1,458)(687)(2,145)
Senior notesSenior notes— 1,968 1,968 — — — 
Senior notes
Senior notes
Subordinated notes
Subordinated notes
Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated debentures
Junior subordinated debentures
Junior subordinated debenturesJunior subordinated debentures(2,798)(1,853)(4,651)(640)(262)(902)
Total interest-bearing liabilitiesTotal interest-bearing liabilities$(2,649)$(26,235)$(28,884)$(3,290)$12,857 $9,567 
Increase (decrease) in net interest income$4,932 $(28,468)$(23,536)$(12,110)$6,159 $(5,951)
Total interest-bearing liabilities
Total interest-bearing liabilities
Increase in net interest income
Increase in net interest income
Increase in net interest income

In 2020, the Company repriced customer time and relationship money market deposits at lower rates, sought lower-rate alternatives to replace brokered CDs, actively implemented floor rates in the loan portfolio, assessed risk and increased spreads during extensions and renewals in order to optimize yields, looked for additional opportunities through indirect lending programs, maximized high-yield investments by purchasing higher-yielding financial institutions subordinated debt, and effectively managed its professional funding sources as liquidity remained high during the period. Also, in 2020, the Company reduced interest expense by restructuring $420 million in FHLB advances and redeemed $28.1 million of its junior subordinated debt. In addition, the Company reduced asset sensitivity via duration. See discussion on net interest income below for further details.


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In 2019,March 2022, the Federal Reserve increased its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points as a key tool to help reduce inflationary pressures. This first increase was followed by six additional increases in the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rates in 2022 (50 basis points in May 2022, 75 basis points in each June 2022, July 2022, September 2022 and November 2022, and 50 basis points in December 2022) which resulted in a total increase of 425 basis in 2022. In 2023, there were 4 additional increases in the Federal Reserve benchmark interest rate of 25 basis points each in February 2023, March 2023, May 2023 and July 2023, which resulted in a total increase of 100 basis points in 2023.The accumulated increase of 525 basis points in the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rates since the first quarter of 2022 contributed to the increase in net interest income the Company completed its planned strategic exit from foreign financial institutions (“FI”)experienced in 2023.

In 2023, we had higher average balance of loans and non-relationship shared national credit facilities or SNCs, resulting in lower average loan balances compared to 2018. Loan yields increased on improved loan mix and higher market rates during the first halfsame period last year, which we attribute to our relationship-driven culture. In addition, our asset sensitive position enabled us to partially offset, via repricing of 2019. The securities portfolio experienced a slight decline as we experienced higher prepayments on SBA securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”). Thevariable-rate loans, the incremental cost of deposits increased as declining low-cost foreign deposits were replaced with higher-cost domestic retail and brokered time deposits, resulting in higher interest expense. The Company experienced lower average rates on advances from the FHLB and junior subordinated debentures as it took proactive steps in 2019 to lower the rates paid on borrowings.other interest-bearing liabilities we recorded during 2023. See discussion on net interest incomediscussions further below for furthermore details.


Net interest income
20202023 compared to 20192022
In 2020, we earned $189.6 million of2023, net interest income a decreasewas $326.5 million, an increase of $23.5$59.8 million, or 11.0%22.4%, from $213.1$266.7 million in 2019.2022. This was mainly driven by: (i) an increase of 184 basis points in the yield on total interest earning assets; (ii) increases of $1.0 billion, or 17.5%, $91.5 million, or 39.5% and $41.8 million, or 21.7% in the average balance of loans, interest earnings deposit with banks, and debt securities held to maturity, respectively, and (iii) lower average balances of FHLB advances. The decreaseincrease in net interest income was primarily driven by a 73 basis point decline in the average yield on interest-earning assets resulting from the Federal Reserve rate reductions and cuts, including the emergency rate cuts in March 2020 and the declines in the benchmark interest rate in the second half of 2019. These results were partially offset by: (i) a decrease of 45 basis points in average rates paid on total interest bearing liabilities mainly driven by lower costshigher cost of total deposits, and FHLB advances as well as lower interest expense due to the redemption of trust preferred securities and related junior subordinated debt in the third quarter of 2019 and first quarter of 2020,debentures; (ii) a 1.0% decrease in thehigher average balance of total deposits, primarily time and interest bearing liabilities partially offset by an increase in thedemand deposits and; (iii) lower average balance of time deposits and the expense associated with the Senior Notes issued in the second quarter of 2020, and (iii) a 0.7%debt securities available for sale. The increase in average yields on interest earning assets includes the average balanceeffect of interest-earning assets mainly due to higher loan balances and higher cash balances at the Federal Reserve .Reserve’s actions to manage inflation in 2023, which consisted of raising its benchmark rate by a total of 100 basis points in 2023. Net interest margin decreased to 2.52%was 3.76% in 2020, a decline2023, an increase of 3323 basis points from 2.85%3.53% in 2019 .2022. See discussions further below for more details.

Interest Income. Total interest income was $260.6$548.6 million in 20202023, an increase of $209.8 million, or 61.9% compared to $313.0$338.8 million in 2019. The $52.42022. This was primarily driven by a 184 basis points increase in the average yield on total interest earning assets. In addition, there were increases of $1.0 billion, or 17.5%, $91.5 million, or 16.7%, decline39.5% and $41.8 million, or 21.7% in totalthe average balance of loans, interest income was primarily dueearnings deposit with banks, and debt securities held to lower yields of interest-earning assets as result of the aforementioned Federal Reserve rate reductions and cuts. This wasmaturity, respectively. The increases were partially offset by highera decrease of $59.6 million, or 5.4%, in the average balancesbalance of interest-earning assets driven by higher loan balances and higher cash balances at the Federal Reserve. debt securities available for sale. See “—Average Balance Sheet, Interest and Yield/Rate Analysis” for detailed information.
Interest income on loans in the year ended December 31, 2020 was $220.9 million compared to $263.0 million in 2019. The $42.1 million, or 16.0%, decline was primarily due to a 79 basis points decrease in average yields, partially offset by a 1.0% increase in the average balance of loans during the year ended December 31, 2020 over 2019, mainly as a result of PPP loans primarily originated in the second quarter of 2020 as well as higher-yielding consumer loans purchased throughout 2020. In addition, the decrease in interest income on loans in 2020 includes a decline of $0.7 million related to lower prepayment penalties collected on loans in 2020 compared to 2019.
Interest income on the available for sale debt securities portfolio decreased $6.4 million, or 15.9%, to $34.0 million in 2020 compared to $40.4 million in 2019. This decrease was mainly due to a 33 basis point decline in the average yields accompanied by a decline of 4.2% in the average balance of available for sale debt securities. These results include the effect of a surge in prepayments on available for sale debt securities, mainly mortgage-related securities, of around $270.1 million in 2020 driven by lower market rates and higher refinancing demand. During 2020, the Company purchased $261.5 million in higher yielding corporate securities, including $138.8 million in financial institutions subordinated debt. Also, during 2020, the Company proactively managed its investment securities portfolio as an economic hedge against the declining market interest rates. This resulted in an increase in securities gains of $24.4 million in 2020, mainly gains on sale of available for sale debt securities, which exceeded the decline of $23.5 million in net interest income in 2020.

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Interest income on loans in 2023 was $475.4 million, an increase of $182.2 million, or 62.1%, compared to $293.2 million in 2022. This result was primarily due to (i) a 186 basis points increase in average yields, mainly attributable to higher market rates and $3.6 million additional interest income in connection with a loan recovery previously charged off; and (ii) an increase of $1.0 billion, or 17.5%, in the average balance of loans compared to 2022. The increase in the average balance of loans includes: (i) originations of CRE and owner-occupied loans, (ii) origination of commercial loans; (iii) originations and purchases of single-family residential and construction loans through Amerant Mortgage and; (iv) originations of consumer loans under a separate white label program. The increase in average balance of loans was partially offset by the decrease in higher yielding indirect consumer loans. See “-Average Balance Sheet, Interest and Yield/Rate Analysis” for detailed information.

Interest income on debt securities available for sale was $43.1 million in 2023, an increase of $9.9 million, or 29.9%, compared to $33.2 million in 2022. This was mainly due to an increase of 111 basis points in average yields, primarily driven by higher market rates. This was partially offset by a decrease of $59.6 million, or 5.4%, in the average balance of these securities. The decline in the average balance was primarily due to decrease in carrying value due to market rates increasing throughout 2022 and 2023. In 2023, the average balance of accumulated net unrealized loss included in the carrying value of these securities was $118.5 million compared to $62.3 million in 2022. As of December 31, 2023, corporate debt securities comprised 21.4% of the available-for-sale portfolio, down from 26.5% at December 31, 2022. We continue with our strategy to insulate the investment portfolio from prepayment risk. As of December 31, 2023, floating rate investments represent 13.3% of our total investment portfolio compared to 13.2% at December 31, 2022. In addition, the overall duration slightly increased to 5.0 years at December 31, 2023 from 4.9 years at December 31, 2022, which was primarily due to lower than expected mortgage-backed securities prepayments. See “—Average Balance Sheet, Interest and Yield/Rate Analysis” for detailed information.

Interest income on debt securities held to maturity was $8.0 million in 2023, an increase of $2.3 million, or 41.4%, compared to $5.7 million in 2022. This was mainly due to an increase of $41.8 million, or 21.7% in the average balance of these securities in 2023 compared to 2022. In addition, there was an increase of 48 basis points in average yields, primarily driven by higher market rates.

Interest Expense. Interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities decreased $28.9was $222.1 million in 2023, an increase of $150.0 million, or 28.9%208.0%, compared to $71.0$72.1 million in 2020 compared to $99.9 million in 2019,2022. This was primarily due to lowerto: (i) higher cost of total deposits, FHLB advances and deposits, lower interest expense due to the aforementioned redemptions of trust preferred securities, and lower average balances of total interest-bearing liabilities. The decreases in average rates paid and average balances of total interest bearing liabilities were partially offset by an increase in the average balance of time deposits and the Senior Notes issued in the second quarter of 2020.
Interest expense on deposits decreased to $53.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $68.4 million for the comparable period of 2019. The $15.0 million, or 22.0%, decrease was primarily due to a 29 basis point decrease in the average rate paid on total deposits, mainly the result of lower average rates paid on money market deposit accounts and time deposits.junior subordinated debentures. In addition, there was a 0.6% declinean increase of $1.1 billion, or 19.0% in the average balance of total deposits,interest bearing liabilities, mainly lower average balance of checking and savings accounts partially offset by higher average balance of time deposits. Average total time deposits increased $15.8 million, or 0.7%, mainlyand interest bearing demand deposits, and subordinated notes as a result of our efforts to capture online deposits. Average online deposits increased $116.2 million, or 128.7%, to $206.4 millionthese were issued in 2020 compared to $90.3 million in 2019. The increase in the average balance of total time deposits in 2020, was partially offset by decreases in the average balance of customer certificates of deposits (“CDs”) and brokered CDs of $71.5 million, or 4.3%, and $28.9 million, or 4.8%, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had $523.7 million of time deposits maturing in the first three months of 2021, which the Company expects to reprice at lower market rates. This is expected to decrease the average cost of CDs by approximately 30bps. Average total checking and savings account balances decreased $47.2 million, or 1.8%, mainly driven by a decline of $153.8 million, or 7.1%, in the average balance of international accounts. The decline in average international deposits includes a decline of $163.2 million, or 9.0%, in personal accounts and an increase of $9.3 million, or 2.8%, in commercial accounts. The overall decline in average personal accounts is primarily due to the continued outflow of funds of our Venezuelan customers as difficult living conditions in their country persist. In 2020, the pace of utilization of deposits from Venezuelan residents declined compared to 2019, mainly attributable to: (i) lower economic activity in Venezuela as a result of health measures implemented in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic and (ii) the Company’s sale efforts which continued to strengthen existing relationships and expansion of the Company’s banking products and services. The decrease in average total checking and savings account balances was partially offset by new third-party interest-bearing domestic brokered deposits with an average balance of $27.3 million in 2020 as well as higher average personal domestic deposits.March 2022.
Interest expense on FHLB advances and other borrowings decreased $11.2 million, or 45.9%, in 2020 compared to 2019. This is the result of a decrease of 96 basis points in the average rate paid on these borrowings along with a decrease of 1.6% in the average balances. In April 2020, the Company modified maturities on $420.0 million fixed-rate FHLB advances, resulting in 26 bps of annual savings for this portfolio representing an estimated $2.4 million of cost savings in 2020. See — Capital Resources and Liquidity Management for detailed information. Advances from the FHLB are used to actively manage the Company’s funding profile by match funding CRE loans. At December 31, 2020, all FHLB advances bear fixed interest rates raging from 0.62% to 2.42%. In addition, in 2019 the Company terminated interest rate swaps that had been designated as cash flow hedges to manage interest rate exposure on FHLB advances. As a result, the Company recorded a credit of approximately $1.4 million against interest expense on FHLB advances in 2020 ($1.2 million in 2019). See “—Capital Resources and Liquidity Management” for detailed information.

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Interest expense on junior subordinated debentures decreased by $4.7interest-bearing deposits was $183.7 million in 2020,2023, an increase of $134.7 million or 64.7%274.6%, compared to 2019,$49.1 million in 2022. This increase was mainly driven by an increase of 202 basis points in the average rates paid on total interest-bearing deposits, and an increase of $1.2 billion, or 25.2%, in their average balance. See below for a declinedetailed explanation of $42.4changes by major deposit category:
Time deposits. Interest expense on total time deposits increased $56.7 million, or 38.9%256.3%, in 2023 compared to 2022. This was mainly driven by an increase of 214 basis points in the average cost of total time deposits. In addition, there was an increase of $739.9 million, or 55.4%, in the average balance outstandingof these deposits, including $437.7 million, and $313.5 million in connection with the redemptioncustomer certificate of the trust preferred securities issued by Commercebank Capital Trust III subsidiarydeposits (“Capital Trust III”), Commercebank Statutory Trust II subsidiary (“Statutory Trust II”), and Commercebank Capital Trust I (“Capital Trust I”CDs”) and related subordinated debt. On July 31, 2019 and September 7, 2019, the Company redeemed all $10.0 million of its outstanding 10.18% trust preferred securities issued by Capital Trust III, and all $15.0 million of its outstanding 10.60% trust preferred securities issued by its Statutory Trust II. On January 30, 2020, the Company redeemed all $26.8 million of its outstanding 8.90% trust preferred capital securities issued by Capital Trust I. These redemptions are expected to reduce the Company’s annual pretax interest expense by approximately $5.0 million. See “—Capital Resources and Liquidity Management” for detailed information. Additionally, on August 8, 2019 the Company entered into five interest rate swap contracts with notional amounts totaling $64.2 million, that were designed as cash flow hedges, to manage the exposure of floating interest payments on all of the Company’s variable-rate junior subordinated debentures. These cash flow hedges took advantage of the inverted yield curve to reduce the Company’s interest expense.brokered time deposits, respectively. The Company will continue to explore the use of hedging activities to manage its interest rate risk.
During 2020, we completed a $60.0 million offering of Senior Notes with a fixed-rate coupon of 5.75%. During 2020, interest expense on these Senior notes totaled $2.0 million compared to none in 2019. See “—Capital Resources and Liquidity Management” for detailed information.
2019 compared to 2018

In 2019, we earned $213.1 million of net interest income, a decrease of $6.0 million, or 2.7%, from $219.0 million of net interest income earned in 2018. The decrease in net interest income was due primarily to a 5.2% decreaseincrease in the average balance of interest-earning assets,time deposits was partially offset with a 26 basis point increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets. In addition, the 6.6% decrease in average interest-bearing liabilities was accompanied by a 25 basis point increasedecline of $11.2 million in average rates paid. Net interest margin improved 7 basis points from 2.78% in 2018 to 2.85% in 2019.online CDs.

Interest Incomebearing checking and savings accounts. TotalInterest expense on total interest income was $313.0bearing checking and savings accounts increased $78.0 million, or 289.6%, in 20192023 compared to $309.4 million2022, mainly due to an increase of 185 basis points in 2018. The $3.6the average costs of these deposits. In addition, there was an increase of $481.7 million, or 1.2%, increase13.7% in the average balance of total interest income was primarily duebearing checking and savings accounts in 2023 compared to 2022, mainly driven by: (i) higher average rates on loansdomestic personal accounts; (ii) new domestic deposits from escrow accounts, municipalities, and securities, as well as higherfrom domestic individuals and businesses; and (iii) increased reciprocal deposits in 2023. These increases in average yields earned on interest-earning assets. These improvementsbalances were partially offset by a net decrease in the average balance of loans as the Company completed its strategic exit from non-relationship SNCs and foreign FI loans, and a decrease in the average balances of available for sale securities.
Interest income on loans in the year ended December 31, 2019 was $263.0 million compared to $257.6 million in 2018. The $5.4$154.7 million, or 2.1%, increase was primarily due to a 31 basis points increase in average yields, partially offset with a 4.6% decrease in the average balance of loans during the year ended December 31, 2019 over 2018, mainly the result of the aforementioned strategic run-off.
Interest income on the available for sale securities portfolio decreased $2.3 million, or 5.5%, to $40.4 million in 2019 compared to $42.8 million in 2018. This decrease was primarily attributable to a decline of 7.0% in the average volume of securities available for sale mostly driven by higher prepayments on SBA and CMBS securities. Higher yields on securities available for sale, which increased an average of 4 basis points in 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, partially offset the lower average held during the period.
Interest Expense. Interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities increased $9.6 million, or 10.6%, to $99.9 million in 2019 compared to $90.3 million in 2018, primarily due to higher average interest rates on deposits, partially offset by lower average deposit account balances and lower rates and balances on advances from the FHLB and junior subordinated debentures.
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Interest expense on deposits increased to $68.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $55.8 million for the comparable period of 2018. The $12.6 million, or 22.6%, increase was primarily due to a 33 basis point increase in the average rate paid on total deposits, primarily consisting of a 43 basis point increase in the average rate paid on time deposits.
The average rate increase experienced on deposits resulted primarily from the decline of low-cost international deposits replaced by higher cost domestic deposits mostly consisting of time deposits. The decrease of $347.5 million, or 11.4%, in average total interest bearing checking and saving account balances is primarily the result of a decline of $433.0 million, or 16.8%7.2%, in the average balance of international accounts, including a decrease of $217.5 million or 12.4% in international personal accounts, partially offset by higher average domestic deposits. The decline in average international deposits includes $75.4an increase of $62.8 million, or 18.9%16.0%, in international commercial accounts and $357.6 million, or 16.4%, in personal accounts. The overall decline in average commercial and personal accounts is primarily due to the continued outflow of funds of our Venezuelan customers as living conditions in their country remain challenging, and the Venezuelan economy is further dollarized.


Interest expense on FHLB advances and other borrowings decreased $2.1increased $13.7 million, or 8.1%90.9%, in 20192023 compared to 2018. This is the result2022, mainly due to an increase of a decrease of 5.5% in the average balances along with a decrease of 6192 basis points in the average rate paid on these borrowings. AdvancesThe increase was offset by a decrease of $106.4 million or 11.7%, in the average balance on this funding source. In 2023, the Company borrowed $2.0 billion and repaid $2.2 billion of advances from the FHLB, are used to actively manageincluding early repayments. See "Capital Resources and Liquidity Management” for more details on the Company’s funding profile by match funding CRE loans. FHLBearly repayment of advances bear fixed interest rates from 0.71% to 3.23%, and variable interest rates based on 3-month LIBOR, which decreased to 1.91% at December 31, 2019 from 2.82% at December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2019, $1,085.0 million (87.9%) of FHLB advances were fixed rate and $150.0 million (12.1%) were variable rate. Beginning in the first quarter of 2019, the Company terminated interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to manage interest rate exposure on FHLB advances, resulting in a credit of approximately $1.2 million against interestFHLB.

Interest expense on FHLB advances. Additionally, the Company executed fixed-rate longer term advances with callable featuresjunior subordinated debentures increased $1.3 million, or 43.4%, in 2023 compared to lower the cost2022, mainly driven by an increase of professional funding. The Company also redeemed $25 million of its most expensive fixed-rate trust preferred securities and executed swaps on the remaining variable rate trust preferred securities, resulting in a decrease of 7.9% in the average balances and a 24205 basis point decreasepoints in the average rate paid on these liabilities.instruments.

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Analysis of the Allowance for LoanCredit Losses
Set forth in the table below are the changes in the allowance for loan losses for each of the periods presented.
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)20202019201820172016
Balance at the beginning of the period$52,223 $61,762 $72,000 $81,751 $77,043 
Charge-offs
Domestic Loans:
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied$— $— $(5,839)$(97)$(94)
Single-family residential(27)(136)(27)(130)(195)
Owner occupied(75)— — (25)(24)
(102)(136)(5,866)(252)(313)
Commercial(29,883)(2,970)(3,662)(1,907)(1,305)
Consumer and others(573)(638)(167)(341)(196)
(30,558)(3,744)(9,695)(2,500)(1,814)
International Loans (1):
Commercial(34)(62)(1,473)(6,166)(19,610)
Consumer and others(269)(5,033)(1,392)(757)(1,186)
(303)(5,095)(2,865)(6,923)(20,796)
Total Charge-offs$(30,861)$(8,839)$(12,560)$(9,423)$(22,610)
Recoveries
Domestic Loans:
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied$— $— $39 $717 $2,639 
Multi-family residential— — — — 
Land development and construction loans— 190 173 178 1,267 
— 190 212 895 3,907 
Single-family residential120 230 176 1,205 105 
Owner occupied— 19 891 445 32 
120 439 1,279 2,545 4,044 
Commercial319 1,207 435 221 84 
Consumer and others58 13 46 11 
497 1,659 1,760 2,768 4,139 
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Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)(in thousands)20232022202120202019
Balance at the beginning of the period
Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting principle (1)
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)20202019201820172016
International Loans (1):
Real Estate
Charge-offs
Charge-offs
Charge-offs
Real estate loans
Real estate loans
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupied
Multi-family residential
(10,418)
(10,418)
(10,418)
Single-family residentialSingle-family residential— — 10 21 
Owner occupied
(10,457)
CommercialCommercial124 485 41 297 1,000 
Consumer and othersConsumer and others299 306 142 87 48 
423 791 187 394 1,069 
Total Recoveries$920 $2,450 $1,947 $3,162 $5,208 
Total Charge-offs (2)
Total Charge-offs (2)
Total Charge-offs (2)
Recoveries
Recoveries
Recoveries
Real estate loans
Real estate loans
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupied
Land development and construction loans
Land development and construction loans
Land development and construction loans
296
Single-family residential
Owner occupied
391
Commercial
Consumer and others
Total Recoveries (2)
Total Recoveries (2)
Total Recoveries (2)
Net charge-offsNet charge-offs(29,941)(6,389)(10,613)(6,261)(17,402)
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses88,620 (3,150)375 (3,490)22,110 
Net charge-offs
Net charge-offs
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses
Balance at the end of the periodBalance at the end of the period$110,902 $52,223 $61,762 $72,000 $81,751 
______________
(1) Includes transactionsAmounts reflect impact of the adoption of CECL effective January 1, 2022. See Note 1 to our audited annual consolidated financial statements in whichthis Form 10-K for details on the debtor oradoption of the customer is domiciled outsidenew accounting standard on estimating expected credit losses on financial instruments (CECL).
(2)    Amounts include total charge-offs related to international loans for the U.S., even when the collateral is locatedyears ended December 31, 2023, 2021, 2020, 20219 of $3 thousand, $8 thousand, $0.3 million, and $5.1 million, respectively. There were no charge-offs related to international loans in 2022. Total recoveries related to international loans in the U.S.years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019 were $5.1 million, $1.0 million, $0.9 million, $0.4 million, and $0.8 million, respectively.

Set forth in the table below is the composition of international loan charge-offs by country for each of the periods presented.
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202020192018
Commercial loans:
Brazil$— $— $1,473 
Other countries with less than $1,00034 62 — 
34 62 1,473 
Consumer loans and overdrafts:
Venezuela (1)
249 4,398 1,392 
Other countries with less than $1,00020 635 — 
269 5,033 1,392 
Total international charge offs$303 $5,095 $2,865 
______________
(1) Increase in charge-offs during 2019 is primarily related to the credit card portfolio being phased out.


2020 compared to 2019
During 2020 charge-offs increased to $30.9 million, compared to $8.8 million in 2019. The increased during 2020 was mainly driven by: (i) a $19.3 million charge off related to certain loan agreements with a Miami-based U.S. coffee trader (“the Coffee Trader”); (ii) a $5.0 million commercial loan to a building contractor (iii) $1.9 million on a commercial loan to a South Florida food wholesale borrower; (iv) $2.0 million related to three unsecured commercial loans and (v) $0.4 million related to multiple credit cards due to the discontinuation of the Company’s credit card products. The aforementioned $0.4 million in credit card charge-offs had already been reserved and the Company did not experience any unanticipated losses during 2020. During 2020, recoveries decreased to $0.9 million compared to $2.5 million one year ago, mainly attributable to a $0.9 million recovery in 2019 related to one commercial loan.The ratio of net charge-offs to average total loan portfolio during 2020 increased 41 basis points, to 0.52% in 2020 from 0.11% in 2019.
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2023 compared to 2022
The Company recorded a provision for loancredit losses of $88.6$60.2 million in 2020,2023, compared to a reversal of loan losses of $3.2$13.9 million in 2019.The increase2022. The $60.2 million provision for credit losses on loans includes $48.4 million in provision during 2020 includes additional specific reserves as a result ofreserve requirements for loan portfolio deteriorationcharge-offs and downgradescredit quality, $4.1 million to account for loan growth and composition changes during the period. These specific reserves requirements include: (i) $31.5period, and $12.2 million to reflect macroeconomic conditions and loss factor updates. This provisions were offset by a release of $4.5 million related to the aforementioned Coffee Trader loan relationship;classification of the Houston CRE multifamily portfolio as held-for-sale as of December 31, 2023.

In 2023, total charge-offs totaled $59.9 million, an increase of $37.8 million, or 170.8% compared to $22.1 million in 2022. Charge-offs in 2023 included (i) $28.1 million related to multiple consumer loans, primarily purchased indirect consumer loans; (ii) $9.2$10.3 million related to one CRE New York-based multifamily loan; (iii) $7.0 million related to a transportation industry commercial loan relationship that was transferred to a food wholesalerother repossessed assets in the cruise industry,first quarter of 2023 and subsequently sold in the second quarter of 2023; (iv) $8.0 million related to four commercial loans ranging between $1 million to $3 million; and (v) $6.5 million in connection with multiple smaller commercial and real estate loans. Charge-offs in 2023, were partially offset primarily by: (i) $5.1 million recovery from a commodity trader charged-off in 2017; (ii) a $3.1 million recovery from a Miami-based U.S. coffee trader (“the Coffee Trader”) charged-off in the previous year; (iii) $5.0$1.4 million recovery from purchased consumer loans; and the remaining $2.1 million due to smaller multiple recoveries. In 2022, charge-offs included: (i) $6.1 million related to two commercial nonaccrual loans paid off during the period, including $3.6 million related to the Coffee Trader, and $2.5 million related to other loans; (ii) $3.9 million related to a New York based non-owner occupied loan; (iii) $3.0 million related to multiple commercial loans, and (iv) an aggregate $9.1 million related to multiple consumer loans. In 2022, the Company changed its policy for charging off unsecured consumer loans when balances are past-due 90 days or more. Previously, the Company charged-off these loan to a building contractor. Also, the increasetypes when balances were 120 days past due. The Company believes this change is in provision during 2020 includes $38.3 million driven by estimated probable losses reflecting deteriorationline with prevalent practices in the macro-economic environment asmarketplace. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic across multiple impacted sectors.change in policy, charge-offs in 2022 include $3.4 million from this policy change. The ALL associated withratio of net charge-offs over the COVID-19 pandemic totaled $14.8 million at December 31, 2020.average total loan portfolio held for investment was 0.69% in 2023 compared to 0.32% in 2022.
As of December 31, 2020, the loan relationship with the Coffee Trader had an outstanding balance of approximately $19.6 million unchanged from September 30, 2020, after recording the $19.3 million charge-off reported in the third quarter of 2020. As disclosed by the Company on a current report on Form 8-K filed on July 16, 2020, management considered it necessary and prudent to provide, as of the close of the second quarter of 2020, for a loan loss reserve for this indebtedness which it initially estimated at approximately $17.0 million. During the second half of 2020, based on the evaluation of additional information from the assignee leading the liquidation proceedings for the Coffee Trader, management considered it necessary and prudent to provide for an additional $11.6 million specific loan loss reserve for these loans. As a result, the Company now maintains a specific loan loss reserve of $12.2 million as of December 31, 2020 on this relationship. We continue to closely monitor the liquidation process and, as more information becomes available, management may decide to adjust the loan loss reserve for this indebtedness.
While it is difficult to estimate the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s credit quality, we continue toWe proactively and carefully monitor the Company’s credit quality practices, including examining and responding to patterns or trends that may arise across certain industries or regions. Importantly, while the Company continues to offer deferral and/or forbearance options, which are not considered TDRs, it will continue to assess its willingness to offer such programs over time.
The concentration of the loan portfolio remains stable compared to December 31, 2019. Except for loans to the real estate industry, the loan portfolio remains well diversified with the highest industry concentration representing 10.3% of total loans, down from 12.0% at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2020, the Company’s CRE loan portfolio represented 48.6% of total loans, down from 51.7% at December 31, 2019. These loans had an estimated weighted average LTV of 60% and an estimated weighted average Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) of 1.7x at December 31, 2020. Importantly, CRE loans to top tier customers, which are those considered to have the greatest strength and credit quality, represented approximately 41% of the CRE loan portfolio at that date, unchanged from December 31, 2019.
2019 compared to 2018
During 2019, charge-offs decreased to $8.8 million, compared to $12.6 million in 2018. The decrease during 2019 is primarily attributed to lower charge-offs in CRE and C&I loans, as compared to 2018. These decreases were partially offset by $5.0 million in charge-offs of international credit cards as a result of the product sunset announced throughout the year. Additionally, recoveries increased to $2.5 million in 2019, compared to $1.9 million during 2018, mainly attributable to one commercial loan of $0.9 million. As a result, the ratio of net charge-offs / average total loan portfolio during 2019 decreased 7 basis points, to 0.11% in 2019 from 0.18% in 2018.

The Company released $3.2 million from the allowance for loan losses during 2019. This compares to a $0.4 million provision for loan losses during 2018. The release was primarily driven by lower loan balances and a commercial loan recovery of $0.9 million, partially offset by loss factor adjustments and the increase of $3.2 million in specific reserves for the $11.9 million multiple loan relationship to the food wholesale borrower discussed in the credit quality section.

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Noninterest Income
The table below sets forth a comparison for each of the categories of noninterest income for the periods presented.
Years Ended December 31,Change
(in thousands, except percentages)2020201920182020 vs 20192019 vs 2018
Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%
Deposits and service fees$15,838 21.6 %$17,067 29.9 %$17,753 33.0 %$(1,229)(7.2)%$(686)(3.9)%
Brokerage, advisory and fiduciary activities16,949 23.1 %14,936 26.2 %16,849 31.3 %2,013 13.5 %(1,913)(11.4)%
Change in cash surrender value of BOLI(1)
5,695 7.8 %5,710 10.0 %5,824 10.8 %(15)(0.3)%(114)(2.0)%
Cards and trade finance servicing fees1,346 1.8 %3,925 6.9 %4,424 8.2 %(2,579)(65.7)%(499)(11.3)%
Securities gains (losses), net26,990 36.7 %2,605 4.6 %(999)(1.9)%24,385 (936.1)%3,604 360.8 %
Data processing and fees for other services— — %955 1.7 %2,517 4.7 %(955)(100.0)%(1,562)(62.1)%
(Loss) gain on early extinguishment of FHLB advances, net(73)(0.1)%(886)(1.6)%882 1.6 %813 (91.8)%(1,768)(200.5)
Other noninterest income (2)
6,725 9.1 %12,798 22.3 %6,625 12.3 %(6,073)(47.5)%6,173 93.2 %
$73,470 100.0 %$57,110 100.0 %$53,875 100.0 %$16,360 28.6 %$3,235 6.0 %

Years Ended December 31,Change
(in thousands, except percentages)2023202220212023 vs 20222022 vs 2021
Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%
Deposits and service fees$19,376 22.1 %$18,592 27.6 %$17,214 14.3 %$784 4.2 %$1,378 8.0 %
Brokerage, advisory and fiduciary activities17,057 19.5 %17,708 26.3 %18,616 15.4 %(651)(3.7)%(908)(4.9)%
Loan-level derivative income (1)
4,580 5.2 %10,360 15.4 %3,951 3.3 %(5,780)(55.8)%6,409 162.2 %
Change in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance (BOLI)(2)
5,173 5.9 %5,406 8.0 %5,459 4.5 %(233)(4.3)%(53)(1.0)%
Cards and trade finance servicing fees3,067 3.5 %2,276 3.4 %1,771 1.5 %791 34.8 %505 28.5 %
Gain on sale of sale of Headquarters Building (3)
— — %— — %62,387 51.7 %— — %(62,387)(100.0)%
Securities (losses) gains, net (4)
(10,989)(12.6)%(3,689)(5.5)%3,740 3.1 %(7,300)197.9 %(7,429)(198.6)%
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of FHLB advances, net40,084 45.8 %10,678 15.9 %(2,488)(2.1)%29,406 275.4 %13,166 N/M
Derivatives gains (losses,) net (5)
28 — %455 %— — %(427)(93.8)%455 N/M
Other noninterest income (6)
9,120 10.6 %5,491 8.2 %9,971 8.3 %3,629 66.1 %(4,480)(44.9)%
Total noninterest income$87,496 100.0 %$67,277 100.0 %$120,621 100.0 %$20,219 30.1 %$(53,344)(44.2)%
__________________
(1)     Income from interest rate swaps and other derivative transactions with customers. The Company incurred expenses related to derivative transactions with customers of $1.9 million, $8.1 million and $0.8 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which are included in noninterest expenses.
(2)    Changes in cash surrender value of BOLI are not taxable. In 2023, includes a charge of $0.7 million in connection with the enhancement/restructuring of BOLI in the fourth quarter of 2023.
(2) Includes(3) The Company sold its Coral Gables headquarters for $135.0 million, with an approximate carrying value of $69.9 million at the time of sale and transaction costs of $2.6 million. The Company leased-back the property for an 18-year term.
(4) Includes: (i) net gain on saleloss of securities of $26.5$10.8 million and $1.9$2.4 million in the years ended December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, respectively, and net loss ongains of $4.3 million in 2021, in connection with the sale of debt securities of 1.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2018, andavailable for sale; (ii) unrealized gains of $0.5$33 thousand in 2023 and unrealized losses of $1.3 million and $0.7$0.6 million in the years ended December 31, 20202022 and 2019,2021, respectively, related to the change in marketfair value of mutual funds.
(3) Includesmarketable equity securities not held for trading which are recorded in results of the period. Also, in 2023, the Company sold equity securities with readily available fair value not held for trading, with a total fair value of $11.2 million at the time of sale, and recognized a net loss of $0.2 million in connection with this transaction. Lastly, includes realized losses of $42 thousand on the sale of a mutual fund with a fair value of $23.4 million at the time of the sale in 2021.
(5)     Net unrealized gains and losses related to uncovered interest rate caps with clients.
(6)    Includes: (i) mortgage banking income of $4.5 million, $3.4 million and $1.7 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, primarily consisting of net gains on sale, valuation and derivative transactions associated with mortgage loans held for sale activity, and other smaller sources of income related to the operations of Amerant Mortgage; and (ii) a gain of $3.8 million on the sale of the Beacon Operations CenterPPP loans in 2021. Other sources of income in the year ended December 31, 2020, a gain of $2.8 million on the sale of vacant Beacon land in the year ended December 31, 2019,periods shown include income from derivative and foreign currency exchange transactions with customers rental income, and valuation income on the investment balances held in the non-qualified deferred compensation plan.

N/M Means not meaningful

20202023 compared to 20192022
Total noninterest income increased $16.4$20.2 million, or 28.6%30.1%, in 20202023 compared to 2019.2022. These results were mainly driven by:due to: (i) higher net gains on securities of $24.4 million in 2020; (ii) an increase of $2.0 million in brokerage, advisory and fiduciary activity fees; and (iii) a lower net loss onthe early extinguishment of FHLB advances recorded in 2019. The $2.0 million increase in brokerage, advisory and fiduciary activity fees was primarily due tofrom the AUM growth in our advisory services as well asFHLB; (ii) higher volume of customer trading activity following increased market volatility mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The increase inother noninterest income was partially offset by: (i) the absence of a gain of $2.8 million on the sale of vacant Beacon land in 2020; (ii) a loss of $1.7 million on the sale of the Beacon Operations Center in 2020;income; (iii) 2.6 million in lowerhigher cards and trade finance servicing fees, and (iv) higher deposits and services fees. These increases were partially offset by: (i) net losses on securities totaling $11.0 million in 2023, mainly duedriven by losses on the sale of certain debt securities available for sale and marketable equity securities not held for trading compared to $3.7 million in 2022 ; (ii) lower loan-level derivative income, and (iii) lower brokerage, advisory and fiduciary fees.
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In 2023, the closingCompany recorded total net gains of $40.1 million on the credit card product; (iv) a $2.0early extinguishment of approximately $1.7 billion of FHLB advances. In 2022, the Company recorded total net gains of $10.7 million declineon the early extinguishment of approximately $705 million of FHLB advances.
Other noninterest income increased $3.6 million, or 66.1%, in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily driven by: (i) an increase of $1.2 million or 34.7% in mortgage banking income compared to 2022; (ii) rental income from operating leases of approximately $0.9 million in 2023; and (iii) an increase of $1.5 million in income from derivativeforeign currency exchange transactions duewith customers and other smaller sources of income.

Cards and trade finance servicing fees increased $0.8 million, or 34.8%, in 2023 compared to lower customer activity; (v) lower deposit2022, mainly driven by higher debit cards interchange fee income.
Deposits and service fees increased $0.8 million, or 4.2%, in 2023 compared to 2022, mainly due to lowerdriven by higher service charge fee income and higher wire transfer fees primarily driven by the economic slowdown in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of Zelle® in October 2019 and, (vi) the absence of fees for other services previously provided to the Former Parent.fees.

Adjusted noninterest incomeIn May 2023, the Company sold a portion of its investment in 2020 was $75.2a corporate debt security held for sale issued by a financial institution, to reduce single point exposure. The Company received proceeds of $0.8 million up $20.9 million, or 38.4%, compared to $54.3and realized a pre-tax loss of $1.2 million in 2019. Adjusted noninterest incomeconnection with this transaction. Additionally, on March 27, 2023, the Company sold one corporate debt security held for sale issued by Signature Bank, N.A in 2020 excludesan open market transaction, and realized a one-timepretax loss of $1.7 million on the sale of the Beacon operations center. Adjusted noninterest incomeapproximately $9.5 million in 2019 excludes a one-time gain of $2.8 million on the sale of vacant Beacon land.connection with this transaction. See “Securities” for additional information.

Loan-level derivative income decreased $5.8 million, or 55.8%, in 2023 compared to 2022, mainly driven by a lower volume of interest rate swap transactions with clients.
Brokerage, advisory and fiduciary activity fees decreased $0.7 million, or 3.7%, in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily driven by: (i) lower brokerage fees as a result of lower equity trading volumes/commissions and (ii) lower fiduciary fees.

Our AUM totaled $2.3 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of $293.5 million, or 14.7%, from $2.0 billion at December 31, 2022, primarily driven by increased market valuations.

In 2023, the Company completed a restructuring of its BOLI program. This was executed through a combination of a 1035 exchange and a surrender and reinvestment into higher-yielding general account with a new investment grade insurance carrier. This transaction allowed for higher team member participation through an enhanced split-dollar plan. Estimated improved yields resulting from the enhancement have an earn-back period of approximately 2 years. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we recorded total additional expenses and charges of $4.6 million in connection with this transaction, including: (i) a reduction of $0.7 million to the cash surrender value of BOLI; (ii) transaction costs of $1.1 million, and (iii) income tax expense of $2.8 million.

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2019 compared to 2018
Total noninterest income increased $3.2 million, or 6.0%, in 2019 compared to 2018. These results were mainly driven by an increase of $3.7 million in income from derivative contracts sold to loan customers, a $2.8 million gain on the sale of the vacant Beacon land in 2019, an aggregate gain of $1.9 million on the sale of available for sale securities, mainly municipal bonds and floating-rate corporate securities, and a $0.7 million benefit from the recently-adopted ASU applicable to marketable equity securities.

The increase in noninterest income was partially offset by: (i) a decline of $1.9 million in brokerage, advisory and fiduciary fees as a result of lower customer trading volume due to the trading restrictions on Venezuelan securities, (ii) $1.6 million lower data processing and fees for other services due to the discontinuation of services to our Former Parent, (iii) a net loss of $0.9 million on the early termination of FHLB advances compared to a net gain of $0.9 million in 2018, (iv) $0.7 million lower deposit and service fees as a result of lower wire transfer fees and (v) $0.5 million lower cards and trade financing service fees, primarily due to the phase out of out credit card program.

Noninterest Expense
The table below presents a comparison for each of the categories of noninterest expense for the periods presented.
Years Ended December 31,Change
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,Change
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages)2020201920182020 vs 20192019 vs 2018(in thousands, except percentages)2023202220212023 vs 20222022 vs 2021
Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%
Salaries and employee benefits (1)
Salaries and employee benefits (1)
$111,469 62.4 %$137,380 65.6 %$141,801 66.0 %$(25,911)(18.9)%$(4,421)(3.1)%
Salaries and employee benefits (1)
$133,506 42.9 42.9 %$123,510 51.2 51.2 %$117,585 59.3 59.3 %$9,996 8.1 8.1 %$5,925 5.0 5.0 %
Occupancy and equipment (2)
17,624 9.9 %16,194 7.7 %16,531 7.7 %1,430 8.8 %(337)(2.0)%
Professional and other services fees (3)
13,459 7.5 %16,123 7.7 %19,119 8.9 %(2,664)(16.5)%(2,996)(15.7)%
Occupancy and equipment (2)(3)
Occupancy and equipment (2)(3)
27,843 8.9 %27,393 11.3 %20,364 10.3 %450 1.6 %7,029 34.5 %
Professional and other services fees (4)
Professional and other services fees (4)
34,569 11.1 %22,142 9.2 %19,096 9.6 %12,427 56.1 %3,046 16.0 %
Telecommunications and data processingTelecommunications and data processing12,931 7.2 %13,063 6.2 %12,399 5.7 %(132)(1.0)%664 5.4 %Telecommunications and data processing15,485 5.0 5.0 %14,735 6.1 6.1 %14,949 7.5 7.5 %750 5.1 5.1 %(214)(1.4)(1.4)%
Loan-level derivative expense(5)
Loan-level derivative expense(5)
1,910 0.6 %8,146 3.4 %815 0.4 %(6,236)(76.6)%7,331 899.5 %
Depreciation and amortization (4)(6)
Depreciation and amortization (4)(6)
9,385 5.3 %7,094 3.4 %8,543 4.0 %2,291 32.3 %(1,449)(17.0)%
Depreciation and amortization (4)(6)
6,842 2.2 2.2 %5,883 2.4 2.4 %7,269 3.7 3.7 %959 16.3 16.3 %(1,386)(19.1)(19.1)%
FDIC assessments and insuranceFDIC assessments and insurance6,141 3.4 %4,043 1.9 %6,215 2.9 %2,098 51.9 %(2,172)(34.9)%FDIC assessments and insurance10,601 3.4 3.4 %6,598 2.7 2.7 %6,423 3.2 3.2 %4,003 60.7 60.7 %175 2.7 2.7 %
Other operating expenses (5)
7,727 4.3 %15,420 7.5 %10,365 4.8 %(7,693)(49.9)%5,055 48.8 %
$178,736 100.0 %$209,317 100.0 %$214,973 100.00 %$(30,581)(14.6)%$(5,656)(2.6)%
Losses on loans held for sale (7)
Losses on loans held for sale (7)
43,057 13.8 %159 0.1 %— — %42,898 N/M159 N/M
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets (income) expense, net (8)(9)
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets (income) expense, net (8)(9)
2,092 0.7 %3,408 1.4 %— — %(1,316)(38.6)%3,408 N/M
Contract termination costs (10)
Contract termination costs (10)
1,550 0.5 %7,103 2.9 %— — %(5,553)(78.2)%7,103 N/M
Advertising expensesAdvertising expenses12,811 4.1 %11,620 4.8 %3,382 1.7 %1,191 10.2 %8,238 243.6 %
Other operating expenses (11)
Other operating expenses (11)
21,089 6.8 %10,716 4.5 %8,359 4.3 %10,373 96.8 %2,357 28.2 %
Total noninterest expenses (12)
Total noninterest expenses (12)
$311,355 100.0 %$241,413 100.0 %$198,242 100.0 %$69,942 29.0 %$43,171 21.8 %
____________
(1)    Includes $5.3Include severance expense of $4.0 million, $3.0 million and $3.6 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Staff reduction costs in 2023, 2022 and 2021 consist of severance expenses in the year ended December 31, 2020primarily related to the 2020 Voluntary Plan and the 2020 Involuntary Plan approved in October 2020 ($4.7organizational rationalization.
(2)    In 2023, includes $0.3 million in connection with the year ended December 31, 2018 related to the 2018 Voluntary Plan and the 2020 Involuntary Plan approvedclosure of a branch in October 2018).
(2) IncludesHouston, Texas as well as an additional expenseaggregate of $1.1 million for the remaining lease obligationrelated to ROU asset impairments in connection with the closure of two branches in 2023 (one branch in Miami, Florida and another branch in Houston, Texas). In 2022 and 2021, includes ROU asset impairment charges of $1.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in connection with the closure of a branch in Pembroke Pines, Florida in 2022, and the closure of our branchesNY loan production office in 2021. In addition, in 2022 and 2021, includes lease termination expenses associated with the year ended December 31 2020.closure of a branch in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2021.
(3) ProfessionalBeginning in 2022, rental income associated with the subleasing of portions of the Company’s headquarters building is presented as a reduction to rent expense under lease agreements under occupancy and equipment cost (included as part of other servicesnoninterest income in 2021 in connection with the previously-owned headquarters building). In addition, in 2022, we had additional rental income in connection with the sublease of the NYC office space. Total rental income from subleases was $3.3 million and $2.9 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(4) In 2023 and 2022, includes additional, nonrecurrent expenses of $5.8 million and $2.9 million, respectively, related to the engagement of FIS. Also in 2022, includes $0.2 million in connection with certain search and recruitment expenses and $0.1 million of costs associated with the subleasing of the New York office space and an aggregate of $0.4 million in other non-routine expenses in 2022. In 2021, includes additional expenses of $1.5 million, including: (i) $0.8 million of expenses in connection with the Clean-up Merger and related transactions, and (ii) $0.7 million resulting from the Company’s transition to our new technology provider.
(5) Includes service fees includes expenses onin connection with our loan-level derivative contracts.income generation activities.
(4) Includes(6) In 2023, includes a charge of $1.3$0.9 million for the accelerated amortizationdepreciation of leasehold improvements in connection with the closure of one our branchesa branch in Miami, Florida in 2023. In 2021, includes $1.8 million of depreciation expense associated with the Company’s previously owned headquarters building. No depreciation expense related to the headquarters building was recorded in 2023 and 2022 as this property was sold and leased-back in the fourth quarter of 2021.
(7)    In 2023, consists of losses on loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value, including valuation allowance as a result of changes in their fair value and losses on the sale of these loans. In 2023, includes $41.1 million in total valuation allowance as a result of changes in their fair value, and $2.0 million in losses on the sale of these loans. In the year ended December 31, 2020.2022, represents $0.2 million in valuation allowance as a result of changes in the fair value of loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value.
(5) Includes advertising, marketing,(8)    In 2023, includes a loss on sale of repossessed assets in connection with our equipment-financing activities of $2.6 million. In 2022, includes $3.4 million related to the fair value adjustments of one other real estate owned (“OREO”) property in New York. In addition, includes OREO rental income of $1.3 million in 2023. We had no OREO rental income in 2022.
(9) Beginning in 2023, OREO and repossessed assets expense is presented separately in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. In 2022, while OREO valuation expense was presented separately, all other OREO-related expenses were presented as part of other operating expenses in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. We had no other repossessed assets in 2022.
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(10)    Contract terminations and related costs associated with third party vendors resulting from the Company’s transition to our new technology provider.
(11)    In 2023, includes goodwill and intangible assets impairments totaling $1.7 million related to two of our subsidiaries (Amerant Mortgage and the Cayman Bank). Also in 2023, includes additional costs of $1.1 million in connection with the restructuring of the Company’s BOLI as well as an impairment charge of $2.0 million related to an investment carried at cost and included in other assets. In all of the periods shown, includes mortgage loan origination and servicing expenses, charitable contributions, community engagement, postage and courier expenses, amountsdebits which mirror the valuation income or loss on the investment balances held in the non-qualified deferred compensation plan in order to adjust theour liability to participants inof the deferred compensation plan and provisions for possible losses on contingent loans.other smaller expenses.
(12)    Includes $14.4 million, $12.5 million and $7.1 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to mortgage banking activities, primarily consisting of salaries and employee benefits, mortgage lending costs and professional and other services fees.
NM Means not meaningful


2023 compared to 2022
Noninterest expense increased $69.9 million, or 29.0%, in 2023 compared to 2022, mainly due to: (i) higher losses on loans held for sale which include a valuation expense of $35.5 million related to the transfer of the Houston CRE loan portfolio from loans held for investment to loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value, and a total loss of $7.6 million, including a $5.6 million valuation expense and a $2.0 million loss on sale, related to a New York-based CRE loan held for sale; (ii) higher professional and other service fees; (iii) higher other operating expenses; (iv) higher salary and employee benefits; (v) higher FDIC assessments and insurance expenses; (vi) higher advertising expenses; (vii) higher depreciation and amortization expense, and (viii) higher telecommunication and data processing expenses. These increases were partially offset by: (i) lower loan-level derivative expenses; (ii) lower contract termination costs; and (iii) lower other real estate owned and repossessed assets expense.

Professional and other services fees increased $12.4 million, or 56.1%, in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily driven by higher consulting and other professional fees in connection with the Company’s transition to our new technology provider, as well as other smaller consulting projects. In 2023, we incurred higher professional service fees in connection with the new outsourced technology services received from FIS. The Company completed the transition of its core data processing platform and other applications in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Other operating expenses increased $10.4 million, or 96.80%, in 2023 compared to 2022 , mainly driven by: (i) an impairment charge of $2.0 million related to an investment carried at cost in 2023; (ii) a $1.7 million goodwill and intangible impairment charge in 2023; (iii) $1.1 million in expenses related to the enhancement of BOLI during the fourth quarter of 2023 and; (iv) higher mortgage banking lending and servicing costs.

Salaries and employee benefits increased $10.0 million, or 8.1%, in 2023 compared to 2022 mainly driven by: (i) salary increases mainly in connection with new hires in 2023, primarily in business areas; (ii) higher stock-based compensation in connection with the long term incentive program, and new hires; (iii) higher insurance and benefit plans; (iv) severance expense; and (v) higher commissions. These results were partially offset by decreases in non-equity variable compensation associated with the Bank’s performance.

FDIC assessments and insurance increased $4.0 million, or 60.7%, in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily driven by higher FDIC assessment rates and higher average assets.

Advertising expenses increased $1.2 million, or 10.2%, in 2023 compared to 2022, mainly due to higher expenses resulting from advertising campaigns based on promotional agreements with professional sports teams as well as the naming rights to the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.0 million, or 16.3%, in 2023 compared to 2022. This was mainly driven by $1.0 million related to several branch closures that resulted in additional depreciation expenses.
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2020Telecommunication and data processing expenses increased $0.8 million, or 5.1%, in 2023 compared to 2019
Noninterest expense decreased $30.6 million, or 14.6%, in 2020 compared to 2019,2022, primarily as a result of lower salary and employee benefits, lower other operating expenses and lower professional and other services fees. These decreases were partially offset by higher depreciation and amortization expense, higher FDIC assessments and insurance expense and higher occupancy and equipment expenses.
The decrease in salaries and employment benefits of $25.9 million, or 18.9%, in 2020 compared to 2019 was mainly driven by: (i) staff reductions throughout the year as well as lower stock-based compensation expense; (ii) the deferral in accordance with GAAP of $7.8 million during the second quarter of 2020 of expenses directly related to the origination of PPP loans; and (iii) changes to the variable and long-term incentive compensation programs. This was partially offset by $4.9 million in higher severance expenses in 2020 compared to 2019, mainly driven by the 2020 Voluntary Plan and the 2020 Involuntary Plan approved in October 2020. Our full time equivalent employees, or FTEs, were 713 at December 31, 2019, down 116, or 14.0%, from 829 at the closea charge of 2019.
The decrease of $2.7 million, or 16.5%, in professional and other services fees during 2020 compared to 2019 was mainly the result of lower legal and accounting fees, partially offset by higher consulting fees of $1.6$1.4 million in connection with the Company’s digital transformation.
Other operating expenses decreased by $7.7 million, or 49.9%, during 2020 compared to 2019, mainly due to: (i) the absencedisposition of rebranding costs in 2020 compared to $3.6 million of rebranding costs in 2019 related to the Company’s transformation efforts and (ii) slowed down marketing activityfixed assets due to the COVID-19 pandemicwrite off of in-development software in 2020.2023. This increase was partially offset by lower computer software and technology support services.
The increase of $2.3
Loan-level derivative expense decreased $6.2 million, or 32.3%76.6%, in depreciation and amortization expense in 20202023 compared to 2019, was2022, mainly driven by a chargelower volume of derivative transactions with clients.
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets expense decreased $1.3 million, for the accelerated amortization of leasehold improvementsor 38.6%, in connection with the closure of one our branches in 2020.
FDIC assessments and insurance expense increased by $2.1 million in 2020, or 51.9%,2023 compared to 2019, primarily due to higher FDIC assessments rates in 2020 and lower credits received in 2020.
The increase of $1.4 million or 8.8% in occupancy and equipment expense in 2020 compared to 2019, was2022, mainly driven by an additional expensethe absence in 2023 of $1.1 million for the remaining lease obligation in connection with the closure of two of our branches in 2020.
During 2020, the Company remained focused on driving efficiencies across the organization while improving the banking journey and experience for customers, particularly through improved digital capabilities. In 2020, the Company completed the rollout of the Salesforce® Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”). Also, in 2020, the Company launched the first phase of nCino® loan origination platform for commercial use and expect to rollout the second and final phase in the first quarter of 2021. nCino loan origination platform for retail use is expected to be rollout in the third quarter of 2021. Salesforce is a customizable platform that will enable the Company to integrate its marketing campaigns, onboarding processes and customer service. nCino will be fully integrated with Salesforce and will enable customers, portfolio managers and underwriters to collaborate in real-time. These important launches provide the digital foundation for the Company’s relationship-driven growth strategy and maximize efficiency and productivity seamlessly in the loan origination process.
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Restructuring costs in 2020 include digital transformation expenses of $3.1 million, branch closure expenses of $2.4 million, and staff reduction costs of $6.4 million ($1.5 million of staff reduction costs and $3.6 million of rebranding costs in 2019). Digital transformation expenses in 2020 consisted of $1.6 million of professional and service fees and $1.5 million of telecommunication and data processing expenses. We had no digital transformation expenses in 2019. The $2.4 million in branch closure expenses in 2020 resulted from the Company closing one banking center in Fort Lauderdale, FL and another in Woodlands, TX on October 30, 2020.These closures are the result of extensive profitability analyses of the Company’s retail banking network and current and expected individual contributions towards the Company's strategic goals.
Adjusted noninterest expense in 2020 was $166.8 million, down $37.5 million, or 18.3%, compared to $204.3 million in 2019. Adjusted noninterest expense in 2020 and 2019, exclude the aforementioned restructuring costs.
2019 compared to 2018
Noninterest expense decreased $5.7 million, or 2.6%, in 2019 compared to 2018, primarily as a result of lower salary and employee benefits, lower professional and other service fees related to the Spin-off and restructuring activities, lower FDIC assessment and insurance costs and a favorable depreciationfair value adjustment of $0.7$3.4 million in connection with our Beacon Operations Center. These decreases were partially offset by stock-based compensationan OREO property in 2019, higher rebranding costs, and expenses connected with the redemption earlier this year of trust preferred securities and related subordinated debt.
New York that took place in 2022. The decrease in salaries and employment benefits of $4.4 million, or 3.1%, in 2019 compared to 2018 was mainly driven by staff reductions throughout the year, $3.2 million lower severance costs, and the $1.2 million paid in 2018 to participants of the non-qualified deferred compensation plan to partially mitigate tax effects of unexpected early distribution due to the Spin-off in 2018. This was partially offset by $5.9by: (i) $2.6 million in stock-based compensation costs mainly related to the sharesloss on sale of restricted stock awarded in December 2018 and $2.0 million in additional costs of the Company’s LTIP tied to performance against strategic performance targets established for the 2016-2019 period. Our full time equivalent employees, or FTEs, were 829 at December 31, 2019, down 82, or 9.0%, from 911 at the close of 2018.
The decrease of $3.0 million, or 2.0%, in professionalrepossesses assets and other services fees during 2019 compared to 2018 was mainly the result of legalreal estate valuation expense in 2023 (none in 2022), and strategy advisory costs associated with our restructuring activities during 2018 and legal, accounting and consulting fees associated with the Spin-off(ii) new OREO rental income in 2018. These results were partially offset by $0.8 million in stock-based compensation to directors in 2019.
FDIC assessments and insurance expense decreased by $2.2 million in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to lower FDIC assessment costs due to credits received, the absence of the FICO assessment and lower average balances.
Other operating expenses increased $5.1 million, or 48.8%, during 2019 compared to 2018, mainly due to $3.2 million higher rebranding costs in 2019 and expenses connected with the redemption earlier this year of trust preferred securities and related subordinated debt.
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2023.

Income Taxes
The table below sets forth information related to our income taxes for the periods presented.
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages)Years Ended December 31,Change(in thousands, except percentages)Years Ended December 31,Change
2020201920182020 vs 20192019 vs 20182023202220212023 vs 20222022 vs 2021
Income before income tax expenseIncome before income tax expense$41,328 $78,584 $144,020 $(37,256)(47.4)%$(65,436)(45.4)%
Current tax expense:Current tax expense:
FederalFederal$7,401 $9,748 $7,298 $(2,347)(24.1)%$2,450 33.6 %
Federal
Federal19,768 15,609 23,225 4,159 26.6 %(7,616)(32.8)%
StateState2,163 2,279 1,964 (116)(5.1)%315 16.0 %State1,313 1,116 1,116 4,681 4,681 197 197 17.7 17.7 %(3,565)(76.2)(76.2)%
21,081 21,081 16,725 27,906 4,356 26.0 %(11,181)(40.1)%
9,564 12,027 9,262 (2,463)(20.5)%2,765 29.9 %
Deferred tax (expense) benefit
Deferred tax (benefit) expense(12,176)670 2,471 (12,846)NM(1,801)(72.9)%
Income tax (benefit) expense$(2,612)$12,697 $11,733 $(15,309)(120.6)%$964 8.2 %
Deferred tax (expense) benefit
Deferred tax (expense) benefit(10,542)(104)5,803 (10,438)NM(5,907)(101.8)%
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense$10,539 $16,621 $33,709 $(6,082)(36.6)%$(17,088)(50.7)%
Effective income tax rateEffective income tax rate60.27 %19.83 %20.38 %40.44 %203.9 %(0.55)%(2.7)%Effective income tax rate25.50 %21.15 %23.41 %4.35 %20.6 %(2.26)%(9.7)%
______________
N/MNM - means not meaningful.meaningful

20202023 compared to 20192022
We recorded an income tax benefitexpense of $2.6$10.5 million in 20202023 compared to an$16.6 million in 2022. The decrease in income tax expense of $12.7 million in 2019. The change is2023 was mainly due to the deferred tax benefit recorded in the period as a result of an increase in the deferred tax asset driven by the increaselower income before income taxes in the allowance for loan losses in 20202023 compared to 2019. The effective tax rate, however, increased in 2020 to 60.27% from 19.83% in 2019. The increase in the2022. However, there was a higher effective tax rate in 2020 is2023 compared 2022, primarily due todriven by an additional tax expense of $2.8 million in connection with the rate differential on deferred items.BOLI restructuring completed in 2023.


As of December 31, 2020,2023, the Company’s net deferred tax asset was $11.7$55.6 million, an increase of $6.2$6.9 million, or 113.3%14.2% compared to $5.5$48.7 million as of December 31, 2019.2022. This resultincrease was mainly driven by the tax effects of: (i) an increase of $35.5 million in the valuation allowance of loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value, and; (ii) a net increase of $58.7$12.0 million in the allowance for loan losses recorded during 2020 compared to 2019, which increased the related net deferred tax asset by $14.1 million in 2020.credit losses. This was partially offset by an increasethe tax effect of: (i) a decrease of $27.7$14.9 million in net unrealized holding gainslosses on debt securities available for sale securities during 2020, which decreasedin 2023 and; (ii) an increase in the related net deferred tax assetliability related to depreciation and amortization expense.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company supplements its financial results that are determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with non-GAAP financial measures, such as “pre-provision net revenue (PPNR)”, “core pre-provision net revenue (Core PPNR)”, “tangible stockholders’ equity (book value) per common share”, “tangible common equity ratio, adjusted for unrealized losses on debt securities held to maturity”, and “tangible stockholders' equity (book value) per common share, adjusted for unrealized losses on debt securities held to maturity”. This supplemental information is not required by $6.8 millionor is not presented in 2020.accordance with GAAP. The Company refers to these financial measures and ratios as “non-GAAP financial measures” and they should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the GAAP measures presented herein.

2019 comparedWe use certain non-GAAP financial measures, including those mentioned above, both to explain our results to shareholders and the investment community and in the internal evaluation and management of our businesses. Our management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures and the information they provide are useful to investors since these measures permit investors to view our performance using the same tools that our management uses to evaluate our past performance and prospects for future performance, especially in light of the additional costs we have incurred in connection with the Company’s restructuring activities that began in 2018 and continued in 2023, including the effect of non-routine items such as the sale of loans and securities and other repossessed assets, Ban Owned life insurance restructure the valuation of securities, derivatives, loans held for sale and other real estate owned and repossessed assets, impairment of investments, the early repayment of FHLB advances, and other non-routine actions intended to improve customer service and operating performance. While we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our performance, this information should be considered as supplemental and not as a substitute for or superior to the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Additionally, these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similar measures presented by other companies.
We
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The following table is a reconciliation of the Company’s PPNR and Core PPNR, non GAAP financial measures, as of the dates presented:

December 31,
(in thousands)20232022
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc. (1)
$32,490 $63,310 
Plus: provision for credit losses (1)(2)
61,277 13,945 
Plus: provision for income tax expense (1)
10,539 16,621 
Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR)$104,306 $93,876 
Plus: non-routine noninterest expense items66,152 18,970 
Less: non-routine noninterest income items(28,468)(7,367)
Core pre-provision net revenue (Core PPNR)$141,990 $105,479 
Non-routine noninterest income items:
Derivative gains, net$28 $455 
Securities loss, net(10,989)(3,689)
Bank owned life insurance charge (3)
(655)— 
Gain on early extinguishment of FHLB advances, net40,084 10,678 
Loss on sale of loans— (77)
Total non-routine noninterest income items$28,468 $7,367 
Non-routine noninterest expense items
Restructuring costs (4)
Staff reduction costs (5)
$4,006 $3,018 
Contract termination costs (6)
1,550 7,103 
Consulting and other professional fees and software expenses (7)
6,379 3,625 
Digital transformation expenses— 45 
Disposition of fixed assets (8)
1,419 — 
Branch closure and related charges (9)
2,279 1,612 
Total restructuring costs$15,633 $15,403 
Other non-routine noninterest expense items:
Losses on loans held for sale (10)
$43,057 $159 
Loss on sale of repossessed assets and other real estate owned valuation expense (11)
2,649 3,408 
Goodwill and intangible assets impairment1,713 — 
Bank owned life insurance enhancement costs (3)
1,137 — 
Impairment charge on investment carried at cost1,963 — 
Total non-routine noninterest expense items$66,152 $18,970 
(1)     As previously disclosed, the Company adopted CECL in the fourth quarter of 2022, effective as of January 1, 2022. See Form 10-K for more details of the CECL adoption in 2022.
(2) In 2023, includes $60.2 million of provision for credit losses on loans and $1.1 million on unfunded commitments (contingencies). In 2022, provision for credit losses on loans was $13.9 million, while there was no provision on unfunded commitments (contingencies).
(3) In 2023, the Company completed a restructuring of its bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) program. This was executed through a combination of a 1035 exchange and a surrender and reinvestment into higher-yielding general account with a new investment grade insurance carrier. This transaction allowed for higher team member participation through an enhanced split-dollar plan. Estimated improved yields resulting from the enhancement have an earn-back period of approximately 2 years. In 2023, we recorded total additional expenses and charges of $4.6 million in connection with this transaction, including: (i) a reduction of $0.7 million to the cash surrender value of BOLI; (ii) transaction costs of $1.1 million, and (iii) income tax expense of $12.7$2.8 million.
(4)    Expenses incurred for actions designed to implement the Company’s strategy. These actions include, but are not limited to, reductions in workforce, streamlining operational processes, rolling out the Amerant brand, implementation of new technology system applications, enhanced sales tools and training, expanded product offerings and improved customer analytics to identify opportunities.
(5)    Staff reduction costs consist of severance expenses related to organizational rationalization.
(6)    Contract termination and related costs associated with third party vendors resulting from the Company’s engagement of FIS.
(7)    In 2023, includes an aggregate of $6.4 million of nonrecurrent expenses in connection with the engagement of FIS and, to a lesser extent, software expenses related to legacy applications running in parallel to new core banking applications. In 2022, includes: (i) $2.9 million in 2019 compared to $11.7connection with the engagement of FIS; (ii) $0.2 million in 2018. The effective tax rate, however, decreasedconnection with certain search and recruitment expenses; (iii) $0.1 million of costs associated with the subleasing of the New York office space, and (iv) an aggregate of $0.4 million in 2019 to 19.83% from 20.38%other non-routine expenses.
(8)    In 2023, includes expenses in 2018. The decrease inconnection with the effective tax rate in 2019 is primarilydisposition of fixed assets due to the windfall tax benefitwrite-off of in-development software.

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(9) In 2023, includes expenses of $0.3 million and $0.5 million ROUA impairment in connection with the closure of a branch in Houston, Texas and $0.9 million of accelerated amortization of leasehold improvements and $0.6 million of right-of-use or “ROU” asset impairment associated with the closure of a branch in Miami, Florida. In 2022, includes $1.6 million of ROU asset impairment associated with the closure of a banking center in Pembroke Pines, Florida in 2022.
(10)    In 2023, includes: (i) a fair value adjustment of $35.5 million related to stock-based compensation expense.an aggregate of $401 million in Houston-based CRE loans held for sale which are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, and (ii) a loss on sale of $2.0 million related to a New York-based CRE loan previously carried at the lower of fair value or cost. In addition, in 2023, includes a fair value adjustment of $5.6 million related to a New York-based CRE loan held for sale carried at the lower of fair value or cost. In 2022, amount represents the fair value adjustment related to the New York loan portfolio held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value.
As(11)    In 2023, amount represents the loss on sale of repossessed assets in connection with our equipment-financing activities. In 2022, amount represents the fair value adjustment related to one OREO property in New York.


The following table is a reconciliation of the Company’s tangible common equity and tangible assets, non GAAP financial measures, to total equity and total assets, respectively, as of the dates presented:

(in thousands, except percentages and per share amounts)December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Stockholders' equity$736,068 $705,726 
Less: goodwill and other intangibles (1)
(25,029)(23,161)
Tangible common stockholders' equity$711,039 $682,565 
Total assets$9,716,327 $9,127,804 
Less: goodwill and other intangibles (1)
(25,029)(23,161)
Tangible assets$9,691,298 $9,104,643 
Common shares outstanding33,603,242 33,815,161 
Tangible common equity ratio7.34 %7.50 %
Stockholders' book value per common share$21.90 $20.87 
Tangible stockholders' book value per common share$21.16 $20.19 
Tangible common stockholders' equity$711,039 $682,565
Less: Net unrealized accumulated losses on debt securities held to maturity, net of tax (2)
(16,197)(18,234)
Tangible common stockholders' equity, adjusted for net unrealized accumulated losses on debt securities held to maturity$694,842 $664,331
Tangible assets$9,691,298 $9,104,643
Less: Net unrealized accumulated losses on debt securities held to maturity, net of tax (2)
(16,197)(18,234)
Tangible assets, adjusted for net unrealized accumulated losses on debt securities held to maturity$9,675,101 $9,086,409
Common shares outstanding33,603,242 33,815,161
Tangible common equity ratio, adjusted for net unrealized accumulated losses on debt securities held to maturity7.18 %7.31 %
Tangible stockholders' book value per common share, adjusted for net unrealized accumulated losses on debt securities held to maturity$20.68$19.65

(1)     At December 31, 2019,2023, other intangible assets primarily consist of naming rights of $2.5 million and mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) of $1.4 million. At December 31, 2022, other intangible assets primarily consist of MSRs of $1.3 million. Other intangible assets are included in other assets in the Company’s net deferred tax asset was $5.5 million, a decline of $10.8 million compared to $16.3 million as ofconsolidated balance sheets.
(2) At December 31, 2018. This decrease was mainly driven by an increase2023 and 2022, amounts were calculated based upon the fair value of $42.7 million in net unrealized holding gains on available for saledebt securities during 2019.held to maturity, and assuming a tax rate of 25.36% and 25.55%, respectively.

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Financial Condition - Comparison of Financial Condition as of December 31, 20202023 and December 31, 20192022

Assets. Total assets were $7.8$9.7 billion as of December 31, 2020, a decline2023, an increase of $214.5 million,$0.6 billion, or 2.7%6.4%, compared to $8.0$9.1 billion at December 31, 2019, mainly2022. This result was primarily driven by a decrease of $366.8 million, or 21.1% in total investment securities primarily due to maturities, sales, calls, and prepayments of available for sale debt securities. This was partially offset byby: an increase of $93.1(i) $333.3 million, or 77%4.9% in cash and cash equivalents and an increase of $39.3 million, or 0.7%, in loans held for investment net of allowance for loan losses. The $39.3 million, or 0.7%, increase in loans held for investment net of allowance for loan losses was mainly driven by an increase in consumer loans and single family residential loans and includes PPP loans originated in 2020. See “—Loans”, for detailed information. This was partially offset by an increase in the allowance for loan losses in 2020 mainly due to the provision for loan losses of $88.6 million recorded in 2020. See “—Analysis of the allowance for loan losses, for detailed information.
Total assets were $8.0 billion as of December 31, 2019, a decline of $138.9 million, or 1.7%, compared to December 31, 2018. These results were mainly driven by a decrease of $166.3 million intotal loans held for investment, net of the allowance for loancredit losses, as foreignand loans held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value and non-relationship SNCs continued their planned decline. This was partially offset bymortgage loans held for sale; (ii) an increase of $35.6$130.3 million or 9.5% in total securities, mainly debt securities available for sale; (iii) an increase of $100.2 million, or 64.2%, in accrued interest receivable and other assets primarily related to a receivable from insurance carrier for $62.5 million in connection with the restructuring of the Company’s BOLI in 2023, and new OREO balances in 2023; (iv) an increase of $31.3 million, or 10.8%, in cash and cash equivalents.
The changesequivalents; (v) an increase in our loan portfolioBOLI of $6.6 million mainly due to net increase in 2020cash surrender value of the policies during 2023; and (iv) an increase of $6.9 million in deferred tax assets mainly due to the result of the tax effect of the valuation allowance on loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value recorded in 2023. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $21.5 million, or 15.4% in operating lease right-of-use assets mainly the result of modification of a lease in the Company’s efforts to increase the loan portfolio yields by purchasing higher-yielding consumer loans through indirect lending programs. The changes in our loan portfolio in 2019 reflect the executionfirst quarter of the Company’s strategy to reduce its foreign loan exposure, increase its domestic lending activities and the profitability on its interest-earning assets.2023. See “—Average“-Average Balance Sheet, Interest and Yield/Rate Analysis” for detailed information, including changes in the composition of our interest-earning assets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
20202023 compared to 20192022
Cash and cash equivalents increased to $214.4totaled $321.9 million at December 31, 2020,2023, an increase of $31.3 million, or 10.8%, from $121.3$290.6 million at December 31, 2019, an2022. The increase of $93.1 million, or 76.7%.This was mainly attributableprimarily due to higher non-interest earning cash balances which include cash and due from banks and higher cash balances at the Federal Reserve as a partBank (“FRB”). At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, cash balances held at the FRB were $246 million and $234 million, respectively. In addition, at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents included restricted cash of preventive business measures$25.8 million and $42.2 million, respectively, which were held primarily to mitigatecover margin calls on derivative transactions with certain brokers. Furthermore, at December 31, 2023, the potential negative impactCompany’s cash and cash equivalents included other short-term investments of the COVID-19 pandemic.$6.1 million which consists of U.S. Treasury Bills that mature in 90 days or less.
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $57.2was $26.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. This was2023, primarily attributed todriven by the net lossincome before attribution of $1.7non-controlling interest of $30.8 million which includedrecorded during the non-cash provision for loan losses of $88.6 million. Operating income was $57.3 million in 2020, which excludes the non-cash provision for loan losses and other items. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation” for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their GAAP counterparts.period
Net cash provided byused in investing activities was $286.3$606.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2020,2023, mainly driven by maturities, sales and calls of debt securities available for sale and FHLB stock totaling $782.0 million and $18.7 million, respectively, and proceeds from loan sales totaling $71.6 million. These proceeds were partially offset by purchases of available for sale debt securities totaling $399.2 million andby: (i) a net increase in loans of $199.9$509.7 million, mainly due to(ii) purchases of investment securities totaling $349.7 million and (iii) purchases of premises and equipment of $10.9 million. In addition, in 2023, the Company disbursed $65.0 million in connection with the restructuring of our BOLI program in 2023. These disbursements were partially offset by: (i) maturities, sales, calls and paydowns of investment securities totaling $218.5 million, (ii) proceeds from sale of loans held for investment and loans held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value totaling $109.2 million, (iii) net proceeds from the sale of repossessed assets in connection with our equipment-financing activities of $2.5 million. See Note 1 of our audited consolidated financial statements in this Form-10-K for more information about the restructuring of our BOLI program in 2023.
In the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by financing activities was $611.2 million. These activities included net increases of $568.8 million in time deposits and $281.8 million in total demand, savings, money market deposit balances. These proceeds were partially offset by: (i) net repayments of FHLB advances of $222.0 million; (iii) $12.1 million of dividends declared and paid by the Company in 2023, and (iv) an increaseaggregate $4.9 million in consumer loansconnection with the repurchase of shares of Class A common stock under a stock repurchase program launched in the first quarter of 2023. See “-Capital Resources and single family residential loans as well as PPP loans originatedLiquidity Management” for more details on changes in 2020. See “—Loans”, for detailed information.

FHLB advances in 2023 and the stock repurchase programs.
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In the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash used in financing activities was $250.5 million, mainly driven by: (i) a net decrease of $378.8 million in time deposits; (ii) $185.1 million in net repayments of FHLB advances; (iii) the redemption of $28.1 million of junior subordinated debentures in the first quarter of 2020, and (iv) an aggregate of $69.4 million in connection with the repurchases of Class B Common Stock completed in the first and fourth quarters of 2020. These disbursements were partially offset by a net increase of $353.3 million in total demand, savings and money market deposit balances and net proceeds of $58.4 million from the issuance of Senior Notes in the second quarter of 2020. See “Capital Resources and Liquidity Management” for more details on transactions related to FHLB advances, senior debt, junior subordinated debt, and common stock repurchases.
2019 compared to 2018

Cash flows provided by operating activities were $78.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. This was primarily attributed to the net income earned and the termination of interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges, which resulted in $8.9 million of proceeds.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $205.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2019, mainly driven by maturities, sales and calls of debt securities available for sale and FHLB stock totaling $497.7 million and $40.5 million, respectively, and proceeds from loan sales totaling $267.8 million. These proceeds were partially offset by purchases of available for sale debt securities totaling $445.9 million, a net increase in loans of $98.3 million, purchases of FHLB stock totaling $43.2 million and a net cash outflow of $14.4 million associated with the acquisition of the Cayman Bank.
In the year ended December 31, 2019, net cash used in financing activities was $248.6 million. These activities included a $308.8 million net decrease in total demand, savings and money market deposit balances, the $28.5 million repurchase of Class B common stock completed in the first quarter of 2019 and the redemption of $25.9 million in junior subordinated debentures in the third quarter of 2019. These disbursements were partially offset by $18.8 million higher time deposits and $29.2 million in net proceeds from the issuance of Class A common stock in the first quarter of 2019, which were used to purchase Class B common stock.

Loans
Loans are our largest component of interest-earning assets. The table below depicts the trend of loans as a percentage of total assets and the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans held for investment for the periods presented.
December 31,
December 31,December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages)202020192018(in thousands, except percentages)202320222021
Total loans, gross (1)
Total loans, gross (1)
$5,842,337 $5,744,339 $5,920,175 
Total loans, gross (1)
Total loans, gross (1)
$7,264,912$6,919,632$5,567,540
Total loans, gross (1) / Total assets
Total loans, gross (1) / Total assets
75.2 %71.9 %72.9 %
Total loans, gross (1) / Total assets
74.8%75.8%72.9%
Allowance for loan losses$110,902 $52,223 $61,762 
Allowance for loan losses / Total loans, gross (1) (2)
1.90 %0.91 %1.04 %
Allowance for credit losses (2)
Allowance for credit losses (2)
Allowance for credit losses (2)
$95,504$83,500$69,899
Allowance for credit losses / Total loans held for investment, gross (1) (2)
Allowance for credit losses / Total loans held for investment, gross (1) (2)
1.39%1.22%1.29%
Total loans, net (3)
Total loans, net (3)
$5,731,435 $5,692,116 $5,858,413 
Total loans, net (3)
Total loans, net (3)
$7,169,408$6,836,132$5,497,641
Total loans, net (3) / Total assets
Total loans, net (3) / Total assets
73.8 %71.3 %72.1 %
Total loans, net (3) / Total assets
73.8%74.9%72.0%
_______________
(1)    Total loans, gross is the principal balance of outstanding loans, including loans held for investment, loans held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value, and mortgage loans held for sale, net of unamortized deferred nonrefundable loan origination fees and loan origination costs, netand unamortized premiums paid on purchased loans, excluding the allowance credit loan losses. At December 31, 2021, the Company had $143.2 million in loans held for sale carried at the lower of deferred fees, but not netcost or estimated fair value. In the third quarter of 2022, these loans held for sale were transferred to the loans held for investment category, therefore, there were no loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value at December 31, 2022. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company transferred an aggregate of $401 million in Houston-based CRE loans held for investment to the loans held for sale category, and recognized a valuation allowance of $35.5 million as a result of the allowancefair value adjustment of these loans. In addition, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were $26.2 million and $62.4 million, respectively, in loans held for loan losses.sale carried at fair value in connection with the Company’s mortgage banking activities.
(2)    In 2022, the Company adopted a new accounting standard on estimating expected credit losses, or CECL. In 2022, the Company recorded an increase to its ACL of $18.7 million as of January 1, 2022, with a corresponding after-tax cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of $13.9 million. See Note 51 to our audited consolidated financial statements on this Form 10-K for more details on our impairment models.the adoption of this new accounting standard..
(3)    Total loans, net is the principal balance of outstanding loans, including loans held for investment, loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value, and mortgage loans held for sale, net of unamortized deferred nonrefundable loan origination fees and loan origination costs, net of deferred fees, and net ofunamortized premiums paid on purchased loans, excluding the allowance for loancredit losses.

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The table below summarizes the composition of loans held for investment by type of loan as of the end of each period presented. International loans include transactions in which the debtor or customer is domiciled outside the U.S., even when the collateral is U.S. property. All international loans are denominated and payable in U.S. Dollars.
December 31,
(in thousands)20232022202120202019
Domestic Loans:
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied$1,616,200 $1,615,716 $1,540,590 $1,749,839 $1,891,802 
Multi-family residential407,214 820,023 514,679 737,696 801,626 
Land development and construction loans300,378 273,174 327,246 349,800 278,688 
2,323,792 2,708,913 2,382,515 2,837,335 2,972,116 
Single-family residential (1)
1,422,113 1,048,396 586,783 543,076 427,431 
Owner occupied1,175,331 1,046,450 962,538 947,127 894,060 
4,921,236 4,803,759 3,931,836 4,327,538 4,293,607 
Commercial loans (2)
1,461,269 1,338,157 942,781 1,103,501 1,190,193 
Loans to depository institutions and acceptances (3)
13,375 13,292 13,710 16,629 16,547 
Consumer loans and overdrafts (4)(5)(6)
389,991 602,793 421,471 241,771 72,555 
Total Domestic Loans6,785,871 6,758,001 5,309,798 5,689,439 5,572,902 
International Loans:
Real estate loans
Single-family residential (7)
44,495 54,449 74,556 96,493 111,671 
Commercial loans41,918 43,077 22,892 51,049 43,850 
Loans to depository institutions and acceptances— — — 
Consumer loans and overdrafts (8)
1,209 1,667 2,194 5,349 15,911 
Total International Loans87,622 99,193 99,642 152,898 171,437 
Total Loans Held For Investment$6,873,493 $6,857,194 $5,409,440 $5,842,337 $5,744,339 
__________________
(1)     As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, includes approximately $251.8 million and $230.3 million, respectively, in single-family residential loans purchased by the Company through Amerant Mortgage.
(2)     As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, includes approximately $56.5 million and $45.3 million, respectively, in commercial loans and leases originated under a white-label equipment financing solution launched in the second quarter of 2022.
(3)     Mostly comprised of loans secured by cash or U.S. Government securities.
(4)    Includes customers’ overdraft balances totaling $2.6 million, $4.7 million, $0.6 million, $0.7 million and $1.3 million at each of the dates presented.
(5)    Includes indirect consumer lending loans purchased with an outstanding balance of $210.9 million and $433.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, net of unamortized premium paid of $2.7 million and $10.9 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, includes $52.9 million ($43.8 million in 2022) in consumer loans originated under a white-label program launched in the third quarter of 2022.
(6)    There were no outstanding credit card balances as of December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020. At December 31, 2019, balances are mostly comprised of credit card extensions of credit to customers with deposits with the Bank. The Company phased out its legacy credit card products in the first quarter of 2020 to further strengthen its credit quality.
(7)    Secured by real estate properties located in the U.S.
(8)     International customers’ overdraft balances were de minimis at each of the dates presented.

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The composition of our CRE loan portfolio held for investment by industry segment at December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021 is depicted in the following table:
December 31,
December 31,December 31,
(in thousands)(in thousands)202020192018(in thousands)20232022202120202019
Retail (1)
Retail (1)
$1,097,329 $1,143,565 $1,081,143 
MultifamilyMultifamily737,696 801,626 909,439 
Office spaceOffice space390,295 453,328 441,712 
Specialty(2)
Land and constructionLand and construction349,800 278,688 326,644 
HospitalityHospitality191,750 198,807 166,415 
Industrial and warehouseIndustrial and warehouse70,465 96,102 120,086 
$2,837,335 $2,972,116 $3,045,439 
Total CRE Loans Held For Investment (3)
_______________
(1)    Includes loans generally granted to finance the acquisition or operation of non-owner occupied properties such as retail shopping centers, free-standing single-tenant properties, and mixed-use properties primarily dedicated to retail, where the primary source of repayment is derived from the rental income generated from the use of the property by its tenants.

The table below summarizes As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, these balances were revised to exclude the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan as of the end of each period presented. International loans include transactions inSpecialty industry segment which the debtor or customer is domiciled outside the U.S., even when the collateral is U.S. property. All international loans are denominated and payable in U.S. Dollars.
December 31,
(in thousands)
20202019201820172016
Domestic Loans:
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied$1,749,839 $1,891,802 $1,809,356 $1,713,104 $1,377,753 
Multi-family residential737,696 801,626 909,439 839,709 667,256 
Land development and construction loans349,800 278,688 326,644 406,940 429,085 
2,837,335 2,972,116 3,045,439 2,959,753 2,474,094 
Single-family residential543,076 427,431 398,043 360,041 315,648 
Owner occupied947,127 894,060 777,022 610,386 610,657 
4,327,538 4,293,607 4,220,504 3,930,180 3,400,399 
Commercial loans1,103,501 1,190,193 1,306,792 1,285,461 1,432,517 
Loans to depository institutions and acceptances (1)
16,629 16,547 19,965 16,443 9,330 
Consumer loans and overdrafts (2)(3)
241,771 72,555 73,155 78,872 74,575 
Total Domestic Loans5,689,439 5,572,902 5,620,416 5,310,956 4,916,821 
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December 31,
(in thousands)
20202019201820172016
International Loans:
Real estate loans
Single-family residential (4)
96,493 111,671 135,438 152,713 154,841 
Owner occupied— — — — — 
96,493 111,671 135,438 152,713 154,841 
Commercial loans51,049 43,850 73,636 69,294 238,285 
Loans to depository institutions and acceptances49,000 481,183 406,963 
Consumer loans and overdrafts (3) (5)
5,349 15,911 41,685 52,079 47,851 
Total International Loans152,898 171,437 299,759 755,269 847,940 
Total Loan Portfolio$5,842,337 $5,744,339 $5,920,175 $6,066,225 $5,764,761 
__________________
(1)     Mostly comprised of loans secured by cash or U.S. Government securitiesnow disclosed separately.
(2)    Includes customers’ overdraft balances totaling $0.7 million, $1.3 million, $1.0 million, $1.8 millionmarinas, nursing and $1.7 million at each of the dates presented.
(3)residential care facilities, and other specialty type CRE properties. There were no outstanding credit card balancesloans in the Specialty industry segment as of December 31, 2020. At2019.
(3)    Includes loans held for investment in the NY loan portfolio, which were $217.0 million at December 31, 2019, 2018, 20172023 and 2016, balances are mostly comprised of credit card extensions of credit$330 million at December 31, 2022. In 2023, the Company reclassified $43.3 million related to customers with deposits witha New York-Based CRE loan that were previously recorded as held for investment to loans held for sale. In 2022, the Bank. The Company phased out its legacy credit card productsreclassified all loans in the first quarterNY loans portfolio previously classified as loans held for sale at the lower of 2020cost or fair value, to further strengthen its credit quality.
(4)    Secured by real estate properties located in the U.S.
(5)     International customers’ overdraft balances were de minimis at each of the dates presented.loans held for investment.

As ofAt December 31, 2020, the loan portfolio increased $98.02023, our CRE loans held for investment based in South Florida, Houston, New York and other regions were $1.7 billion, $317 million, or 1.7%, to $5.8 billion, compared to $5.7 billion at December 31, 2019. Domestic loans increased by $116.5 million, or 2.1%, as of December 31, 2020, compared to December 31, 2019. The increase in total domestic loans includes net increases of $169.2 million, $115.6$217 million and $53.1$65 million, in consumer loans, single-family residential loans and owner occupied loans, respectively.This was partially offset by declines of $134.8 million and $86.7 million in domestic domestic CRE loans and commercial loans, respectively, mainly driven by a reduction in lower yielding non-relationship loans, and lower economic activity and more stringent credit underwriting standards associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in domestic commercial loans was partially offset by approximately $198.5 million in PPP loans, originated during 2020. The increase in domestic consumer loans includes $165.8 million in high-yield indirect consumer loans purchased during 2020. The increase in domestic single-family residential loans was mainly driven by a significant increase in refinancing demand of loans originated by other institutions as a result of low market rates. Loans to international customers, primarily from Latin America, declined by $18.5 million, or 10.8%, as of December 31, 2020, compared to December 31, 2019, mainly driven by a reduction of $17.2 in single-family residential loans from Venezuela primarily due to payoffs during 2020.respectively.




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The table below summarizes the composition of our loans held for sale by type of loan as of the end of each period presented
(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
December 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
Loans held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value
Real estate loans
  Commercial real estate
Non-owner occupied$— $— $110,271 $— $— 
Multi-family residential309,612 — 31,606 — — 
Land development and construction loans55,607 — — — — 
365,219 — 141,877 — — 
Owner occupied— — 1,318 — — 
Total loans held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value (1)365,219 — 143,195 — — 
Mortgage loans held for sale at fair value
Land development and construction loans (2)12,778 9,424 — — — 
Single family residential (3)13,422 53,014 14,905 — — 
Total mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value (4)26,200 62,438 14,905 — — 
   Total loans held for sale$391,419 $62,438 $158,100 $— $— 
______________
(1)In 2019, the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company transferred an aggregate of $401 million in Houston-based CRE loans held for investment to the loans held for sale category, and recognized a valuation allowance of $35.5 million as a result of the fair value adjustment of these loans. In the third quarter of 2023, the Company transferred a New York-based CRE loan portfolio decreased $175.8held for investment to the loans held for sale category, and recognized a valuation allowance of $5.6 million as a result of the fair value adjustment of this loan. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company sold this loan and there was no material impact to the Company’s results of operations as result of this transaction.
(2)     In 2023, the Company transferred approximately $13 million in land development and construction loans held for sale                              to the loans held for investment category.
(3) In 2023, the Company transferred approximately $98.9 million, respectively, in single-family residential loans held for sale to the loans held for investment category.
(4) Mortgage loans held for sale in connection with Amerant Mortgage’s ongoing business.
(5) Remained current and in accrual status at each of the periods shown.



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As of December 31, 2023, total loans held for investment were $6.9 billion, up $16.3 million, or 3.0%0.2%, to $5.7 billion, compared to $5.9$6.9 billion at December 31, 2018. As part2022. Domestic loans held for investment increased $27.9 million, or 0.4%, as of December 31, 2023, compared to December 31, 2022. The increase in total domestic loans held for investment includes net increases of $373.7 million, or 35.6%, $128.9 million, or 12.3% and $123.1 million, or 9.2%, in domestic single-family residential loans, owner occupied loans and commercial loans, respectively. These increases were partially offset by decreases of: (i) $385.1 million, or 14.2% in domestic CRE loans mainly driven by the transfer of certain Houston-based CRE loans to held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value discussed further below, and (ii) $212.8 million, or 35.3%, in domestic consumer loans, as the Company discontinued the purchases of indirect consumer loans in 2023 and such indirect lending portfolio is set to runoff over time.

The increase in our business strategy,domestic loan portfolio held for investment in 2023 includes the effect of: (i) originations of commercial loans, including $29 million of loans originated through a new white label equipment financing solution launched in the second quarter of 2022 as well as other specialty finance loans; (ii) originations of single-family residential loans; (iii) originations of CRE and owner-occupied loans; (iv) approximately $26.5 million of single-family residential loans purchased by the Company through its subsidiary Amerant Mortgage, and (v) originations of consumer loans of approximately $27 million through a new white-label program launched in the third quarter of 2022. These results were partially offset primarily by loan pay downs and payoffs during the period.

Loans to international customers, primarily from Latin America, declined by $128.3$11.6 million, or 42.8%11.7%, as of December 31, 2019,2023, compared to December 31, 2018. Domestic loans decreased by $47.5 million, or 0.85%, as of December 31, 2019, compared to December 31, 2018.2022. This decline is mainly attributed to net decreases of $116.6 million and $73.3 million in domestic C&I loans and CRE loans, respectively, partially offset by net increases of $117.0 million and a $29.4 million in owner-occupied real estate loans and domestic single family residential loans, respectively. The decline in our loan balances in 2019 was mainly driven by the completion of our strategic run-off of foreign FIpayoffs, including $10 million in residential loans, $1.2 million in commercial loans and sales or non-renewals$0.5 million in consumer loans.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were $26.2 million and $62.4 million, respectively, of non-relationship SNCs as well as higher loan prepayments. Excludingmortgage loans held for sale carried at their estimated fair value. In 2023, in connection with mortgage loans held for sale, we originated and purchased approximately $343.5 million, and had proceeds of approximately $286.5 million, mainly from the run-offsale of non-relationship SNCs, domesticthese loans.

In 2023, the Company added approximately $399.1 million in single-family residential and construction loans grew by 3.7% during the year, primarilythrough Amerant Mortgage which includes loans originated and purchased from relationship loans. While we successfully exited from non-strategic loans more rapidly than originally anticipated, we remained focused on capturing a larger share of relationship loans with their added potential to generate customer deposits and wealth management business. In addition, we focused on promoting our jumbo loan program which contributed to the increase in our single-family loan portfolio in 2019 with respect to 2018.different channels.

As of December 31, 2020,2023, the Company had $365.2 million in loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value, which were previously recorded as loans held for investment. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company transferred an aggregate of $401 million in Houston-based CRE loans held for investment to the loans held for sale category, and recognized a valuation allowance of $35.5 million as a result of the fair value adjustment of these loans. In the third quarter of 2023, the Company transferred a New York-based CRE loan held for investment to the loans held for sale category, with an amortized cost of $48.8 million at the time of transfer, and recognized a valuation allowance of $5.6 million as a result of the fair value adjustment of this loan. The Company subsequently sold this loan and there was no material impact to the Company’s results of operations as result of this transaction.

As of December 31, 2023, substantially all CRE loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value include loans in the multifamily segment.

As of December 31, 2023, loans under syndication facilities declined $107.4were $271.8 million, a decline of $95.2 million, or 19.1%25.9%, to $454.9 million compared to $562.3$367.0 million at December 31, 2019, mainly2022. This was primarily driven by a reductiondecrease of $46.0 million in lower-yielding non-relationshipcommercial real estate loans, $13.3 million in loans to depository institutions, and $12.1 million in land loans. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of $24.9 million in commercial loans. In September 2018,addition, in the third quarter of 2023, the Company updated its applicationtransferred a syndicated CRE loan in New York of $48.8 million to the definitionheld for sale category. This loan was subsequently sold in the fourth quarter of “highly leveraged transactions,” or HLTs, to include unfunded commitments as part of the leverage ratio calculation in accordance with the “Interagency Guidance on Leveraged Lending” issued on March 22, 2013.As2023. As of December 31, 2020,2023, syndicated loans that financed HLTs“highly leveraged transactions”, or HLT, were $19.2$5.5 million, or 0.3%0.1% of total loans, compared to $35.7$8.5 million, or 0.6%0.1% of total loans, as of December 31, 2019.2022.At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, loans under syndication facilities held for investment include Shared National Credit facilities of $86.7 million and $143 million, respectively.


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The following is a brief description of the composition of our loan classes:
Commercial Real Estate (CRE) loans. We provide a mix of variable and fixed rate CRE loans. These are loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate properties and land development and construction loans.
Loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate properties are generally granted to finance the acquisition or operation of CRE properties. The main source of repayment of these real estate loans is derived from cash flows or conversion of productive assets and not from the income generated by the disposition of the property held as collateral. These mainly include rental apartment (multifamily) properties, office, retail, warehouses and industrial facilities, and hospitality (hotels and motels) properties mainly in South Florida, the greater Houston, Texas area and the greater New York City area, especially the five New York City boroughs. Concentrations in these non-owner occupied CRE loans are subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny. See “Risk Factors— Our concentration of CRE loans could result in further increased loan losses, and adversely affect our business, earnings, and financial condition.”
Land development and construction loans includes loans for land acquisition, land development, and construction (single or multiple-phase development) of single residential or commercial buildings, loans to reposition or rehabilitate commercial properties, and bridge loans mainly in the South Florida, the greater Houston, Texas area and the greater New York City area, especially the five New York City boroughs. Typically, construction lines of credit are funded based on construction progress and generally have a maturity of three years or less.
Owner-occupied. Loans secured by owner-occupied properties are typically working capital loans made to businesses in the South Florida and the greater Houston, Texas markets. The source of repayment of these commercial owner-occupied loans primarily comes from the cash flow generated by the occupying business and the real estate collateral serves as an additional source of repayment. These loans are assessed, analyzed, and structured essentially in the same manner as commercial loans.
Single-Family Residential. These loans include loans to domestic and foreign individuals primarily secured by their personal residence in the U.S., including first mortgage,mortgages on properties mainly located in Florida, home equity and home improvement loans, mainly in South Florida and the greater Houston, Texas markets. These loans have terms common in the industry. However, loans to foreign clients have more conservative underwriting criteria and terms.
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Commercial loans. We provide a mix of variable and fixed rate C&I loans. These loans are made to a diverse range of business sizes, from the small-to-medium-sized to middle market and large companies. These businesses cover a diverse range of economic sectors, including manufacturing, wholesale, retail, primary products and services. We provide loans and lines of credit for working capital needs, business expansions and for international trade financing. These loans include working capital loans, asset-based lending, participations in Shared National Credit facilities, or SNCs (loans of $100 million or more that are shared by two or more institutions), purchased receivables and SBA loans, among others. The tenors may be either short term (one year or less) or long term, and they may be secured, unsecured, or partially secured. Typically, lines of credit have a maturity of one year or less, and term loans have maturities of five years or less. In 2021 and 2020, the Company began participatingparticipated in the SBA’s PPP, by providing loans to businesses to cover payroll, rent, mortgage, healthcare, and utilities costs, among other essential expenses.In addition, the Company originates equipment loan and leases through a white-label equipment financing solution launched in the second quarter of 2022.

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Commercial loans to borrowers in similar businesses or products with similar characteristics or specific credit requirements are generally evaluated under a standardized commercial credit program. Commercial loans outside the scope of those programs are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with consideration of any exposure under an existing commercial credit program. The Bank maintains several commercial credit programs designed to standardize underwriting guidelines, and risk acceptance criteria, in order to streamline the granting of credits to businesses with similar characteristics and common needs. Some programs also allow loans that deviate from credit policy underwriting requirements and allocate maximum exposure buckets to those loans. Loans originated through a program are monitored regularly for performance over time and to address any necessary modifications.
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances. These loans primarily include trade financing facilities through letters of credits, bankers’ acceptances, pre and post-export financing, and working capital loans, among others. These loans are generally granted for terms not exceeding one year. InSince 2019, we have substantially reduced this activity.
Consumer loans and overdrafts. These loans include open and closed-end loans extended to domestic and foreign individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures. These loans include automobile loans, personal loans, or loans secured by cash or securities and revolving credit card agreements. These loans have terms common in the industry for these types of loans, except that loans to foreign clients have more conservative underwriting criteria and terms. Beginning in 2020, consumer loans include indirect unsecured personal loans to well qualified individuals we purchased from recognized third parties personal loan originators. However, we are focusing on organic growth and have not been purchasing any new indirect consumer loan production since the end of 2022.All consumer loans are denominated and payable in U.S. Dollars. In 2019,2020, we announced the windwound down of our credit card program to further strengthen the Company’s credit quality. We have stopped charge privileges to all cardholders, reimbursed unearned annual membership fees,quality and, required repayment of all remaining balances by January 2020.During the first quarter of 2020, the remaining balances related to the credit card product were repaid, therefore,as a result, there are no outstanding credit card balances as ofreceivables outstanding after December 31, 2020.2019.

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The tables below set forth the unpaid principal balance of loans held for investment by type, by interest rate type (fixed-rate and variable-rate) and by original contractual loan maturities as of December 31, 2020:2023:
(in thousands)Due in
one year
or less
Due after
one year
through five
Due after
five
years
(1)
Total (2)
Fixed-Rate Loans
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied$111,550 $782,528 $211,627 $1,105,705 
Multi-family residential68,363 216,699 87,854 372,916 
Land development and construction loans— — — — 
179,913 999,227 299,481 1,478,621 
Single-family residential12,386 81,480 198,216 292,082 
Owner occupied15,123 110,113 417,101 542,337 
207,422 1,190,820 914,798 2,313,040 
Commercial loans182,184 292,683 57,088 531,955 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances3,507 — — 3,507 
Consumer loans and overdrafts155 4,011 170,926 175,092 
$393,268 $1,487,514 $1,142,812 $3,023,594 
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(in thousands)(in thousands)Due in
one year
or less
Due after
one year
through five
Due after
five
years
(1)
Total (2)
Variable Rate Loans
(in thousands)
(in thousands)Due in
one year
or less
Due after
one year
through five
Due after
five
years
(1)
Total
Fixed-Rate
Fixed-Rate
Fixed-Rate
Real estate loans
Real estate loans
Real estate loansReal estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupiedNonowner occupied$98,723 $304,964 $240,447 $644,134 
Multi-family residentialMulti-family residential2,432 282,952 79,396 364,780 
Land development and construction loansLand development and construction loans104,867 244,933 — 349,800 
206,022 832,849 319,843 1,358,714 
193,947
Single-family residentialSingle-family residential7,667 31,014 308,806 347,487 
Owner occupiedOwner occupied23,883 85,962 294,945 404,790 
237,572 949,825 923,594 2,110,991 
222,759
Commercial loansCommercial loans376,380 235,371 10,844 622,595 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptancesLoans to financial institutions and acceptances— 13,129 — 13,129 
Consumer loans and overdraftsConsumer loans and overdrafts72,028 — — 72,028 
$
Variable-Rate
Real estate loans
Real estate loans
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupied
Multi-family residential
Land development and construction loans
306,191
Single-family residential
Owner occupied
408,853
Commercial loans
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances
Consumer loans and overdrafts
$
$685,980 $1,198,325 $934,438 $2,818,743 
Total Loans Held For Investment
Total Loan Portfolio
Total Loans Held For Investment
Total Loans Held For Investment
Real estate loans
Real estate loans
Real estate loansReal estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupiedNonowner occupied$210,273 $1,087,492 $452,074 $1,749,839 
Multi-family residentialMulti-family residential70,795 499,651 167,250 737,696 
Land development and construction loansLand development and construction loans104,867 244,933 — 349,800 
385,935 1,832,076 619,324 2,837,335 
500,138
Single-family residentialSingle-family residential20,053 112,494 507,022 639,569 
Owner occupiedOwner occupied39,006 196,075 712,046 947,127 
444,994 2,140,645 1,838,392 4,424,031 
631,612
Commercial loansCommercial loans558,564 528,054 67,932 1,154,550 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptancesLoans to financial institutions and acceptances3,507 13,129 — 16,636 
Consumer loans and overdraftsConsumer loans and overdrafts72,183 4,011 170,926 247,120 
$1,079,248 $2,685,839 $2,077,250 $5,842,337 
$
__________________
(1)    Includes a total of $272.7$713.2 million of fixed-rate loans (mainly comprised of 63.6%87% single-family residential and 33.5%9% owner occupied), and $301.6$647.6 million of variable-rate loans (mainly comprised of 92.6%95% single-family residential and 6.7%3% owner occupied), maturing in 10 years or more. Fixed-rate and variable-rate loans maturing in 15 years or more represent 60.1%86% of total fixed-rate and 83.3%87% of total variable-rate loans maturing in 10 years or more, respectively, and correspond primarily to single-family residential loans.
(2)    Includes a
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As of December 31, 2022, total of $1.5loans held for investment include approximately $1.1 billion, or 26.3%15.5% of total loans which mature after December 31, 2021 and areheld for investment, of loans that were priced based on variable interest rates tied to the LIBOR. In December of 2019, the Asset/Liability CommitteeCompany appointed a management team charged with the responsibility of monitoring developments related to the proposed alternative reference interest rates to replace LIBOR, and guide the Company through the potential discontinuation of LIBOR. In 2020, the Company launched the LIBOR cessation project to identify and quantify LIBOR exposure in all product categories and lines of business, both on- and off-balance-sheet. In addition,During 2021, the project team assessedCompany completed its assessment of all third-party-providedthird party-provided products, services, and systems forthat would be affected by any changes to references to LIBOR, exposureincluding changes to ensure their readiness. Theall relevant systems. Beginning in January 2022, the Company will also be embarking on addressing amendmentsstarted referencing new loans and other products, including loan-level derivatives, to legacythe Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). In 2023, the Company completed the migration of all variable rate loans and derivative contracts that require updatedfrom LIBOR cessation fallback language.to SOFR.
The tables below set forth the unpaid principal balance of total loans held for sale by type, by interest rate type (fixed-rate and variable-rate) and by original contractual loan maturities as of December 31, 2023:
(in thousands)Due in
one year
or less
Due after
one year
through five
Due after
five
years
Total
Fixed-Rate
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied$— $— $— $— 
Multi-family residential— 24,146 1,538 25,684 
Land development and construction loans— 1,608 8,061 9,669 
— 25,754 9,599 35,353 
Single-family residential (1)
— — 13,422 13,422 
Owner occupied— — — — 
$— $25,754 $23,021 $48,775 
Variable-Rate
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Multi-family residential— 241,387 42,541 283,928 
Land development and construction loans33,203 22,404 3,109 58,716 
33,203 263,791 45,650 342,644 
Single-family residential— — — — 
Owner occupied— — — — 
33,203 263,791 45,650 342,644 
Commercial loans— — — — 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances— — — — 
Consumer loans and overdrafts— — — — 
$33,203 $263,791 $45,650 $342,644 
Total Loans Held For Sale
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied$— $— $— $— 
Multi-family residential— 265,533 44,079 309,612 
Land development and construction loans33,203 24,012 11,170 68,385 
33,203 289,545 55,249 377,997 
Single-family residential (1)
— — 13,422 13,422 
Owner occupied— — — — 
Total loans held for sale (2)$33,203 $289,545 $68,671 $391,419 
__________________
(1)    Loans held for sale carried at their estimated fair value.
(2) Remained current and in accrual status as of December 31, 2023.


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Foreign Outstanding
The table below summarizes the composition of our international loan portfolio by country of risk for the periods presented. All of our foreign loans are denominated in U.S. dollars, and bear fixed or variable rates of interest based upon different market benchmarks plus a spread.
December 31,
202020192018
December 31,December 31,
2023202320222021
(in thousands, except percentages)
(in thousands, except percentages)
Net Exposure (1)
%
Total Assets
Net Exposure (1)
%
Total Assets
Net Exposure (1)
%
Total Assets
(in thousands, except percentages)
Net Exposure (1)
%
Total Assets
Net Exposure (1)
%
Total Assets
Net Exposure (1)
%
Total Assets
Venezuela (2)(3)
Venezuela (2)(3)
Venezuela (2)(3)
Venezuela (2)(3)
$86,930 1.1 %$112,297 1.4 %$157,162 1.9 %$37,699 0.4 0.4 %$47,037 0.5 0.5 %$64,636 0.9 0.9 %
Other (4)
65,968 0.9 %59,140 0.7 %142,597 1.8 %
Other (1)(4)
Other (1)(4)
Other (1)(4)
49,923 0.5 %52,156 0.6 %35,006 0.4 %
TotalTotal$152,898 2.0 %$171,437 2.1 %$299,759 3.7 %Total$87,622 0.9 0.9 %$99,193 1.1 1.1 %$99,642 1.3 1.3 %
_________________
(1)    Consists of outstanding principal amounts, net of collateral ofCollateralized with cash, cash equivalents or other financial instruments totaling $13.3$7.2 million, $15.2$6.3 million and $19.5$21.1 million as of December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021 respectively.
(2)    Includes mortgage loans for single-family residential properties located in the U.S. totaling $86.737.7 million, $104.0$47.0 million and $129.0$64.6 million as of December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively. Based upon the diligence we customarily perform to "know our customers" for anti-money laundering, OFAC and sanctions purposes, and a review of the Executive Order issued by the President of the United States on August 5, 2019 and the related Treasury Department Guidance, we believe that the U.S. economic embargo on certain Venezuelan persons will not adversely affect our Venezuelan customer relationships, generally.
(3) There were no outstanding credit card balances as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 20192023, 2022 and 2018, include credit card balances $7.8 million and $27.2 million, respectively.2021.
(4) Includes loans to borrowers in other countries which do not individually exceed one percent of total assets in 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018.2021.


As of December 31, 2020,2023, the maturities of our outstanding international loans were as follows:
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Less than 1 year(1)
1-3 Years(1)
More than 3 years(1)
Total(1)
Venezuela(2)(3)
$420 $7,199 $79,311 $86,930 
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela
Other(4)
16,098 15,226 34,644 65,968 
Other
Other
Other
TotalTotal$16,518 $22,425 $113,955 $152,898 
Total
Total
_________________
(1)    Consists of outstanding principal amounts, net of collateral of cash, cash equivalents or other financial instruments totaling $13.3 million.
(2)    Includes mortgage loans for single-family residential properties located in the U.S. totaling $86.7 million.
(3) There were no outstanding credit card balances as of December 31, 2020.
(4)    Includes loans to borrowers in other countries which do not individually exceed one percent of total assets in 2020.

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Loans by Economic Sector

The table below summarizes the concentration in our loan portfolioloans held for investment by economic sector as of the end of the periods presented.
December 31,
December 31,December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages)202020192018(in thousands, except percentages)202320222021
Amount% of TotalAmount% of TotalAmount% of Total
Amount
Amount
Amount% of TotalAmount% of TotalAmount% of Total
Financial Sector (1)
Financial Sector (1)
$89,187 1.5 %$82,555 1.4 %$127,298 2.2 %
Financial Sector (1)
$255,179 3.7 3.7 %$190,934 2.8 2.8 %$78,168 1.5 1.5 %
Construction and real estate (2)
Construction and real estate (2)
2,844,094 48.7 %3,046,852 53.0 %3,195,626 54.0 %
Construction and real estate (2)
2,613,060 38.0 38.0 %2,378,081 34.7 34.7 %2,314,281 42.8 42.8 %
Manufacturing:Manufacturing:
Foodstuffs, apparel
Foodstuffs, apparel
Foodstuffs, apparelFoodstuffs, apparel108,312 1.9 %80,938 1.4 %99,467 1.7 %108,729 1.6 1.6 %87,198 1.3 1.3 %87,006 1.6 1.6 %
Metals, computer, transportation and otherMetals, computer, transportation and other129,705 2.2 %195,693 3.4 %278,960 4.7 %Metals, computer, transportation and other73,687 1.1 1.1 %52,160 0.8 0.8 %101,807 1.9 1.9 %
Chemicals, oil, plastics, cement and wood/paperChemicals, oil, plastics, cement and wood/paper41,451 0.7 %49,744 0.9 %49,069 0.8 %Chemicals, oil, plastics, cement and wood/paper68,897 1.0 1.0 %22,929 0.3 0.3 %34,133 0.6 0.6 %
Total manufacturingTotal manufacturing279,468 4.8 %326,375 5.7 %427,496 7.2 %Total manufacturing$251,313 3.7 3.7 %$162,287 2.4 2.4 %$222,946 4.1 4.1 %
WholesaleWholesale609,318 10.4 %690,964 12.0 %712,512 12.0 %Wholesale400,983 5.8 5.8 %614,971 8.9 8.9 %572,109 10.6 10.6 %
Retail trade (3)
Retail trade (3)
423,260 7.2 %336,956 5.9 %289,019 4.9 %
Retail trade (3)
420,907 6.1 6.1 %424,894 6.2 6.2 %380,545 7.0 7.0 %
Services:Services:
Non-financial public sectorNon-financial public sector472 — %— — %— — %
Non-financial public sector
Non-financial public sector— — %1,300 — %— %
Communication, transportation, health and otherCommunication, transportation, health and other394,479 6.8 %247,970 4.3 %242,050 4.1 %Communication, transportation, health and other652,926 9.5 9.5 %487,842 7.1 7.1 %375,973 7.0 7.0 %
Accommodation, restaurants, entertainmentAccommodation, restaurants, entertainment445,763 7.6 %434,580 7.6 %342,710 5.8 %Accommodation, restaurants, entertainment323,347 4.7 4.7 %602,877 8.8 8.8 %508,615 9.4 9.4 %
Electricity, gas, water, supply and sewageElectricity, gas, water, supply and sewage34,677 0.6 %17,024 0.3 %17,208 0.3 %Electricity, gas, water, supply and sewage40,228 0.6 0.6 %24,908 0.4 0.4 %19,309 0.4 0.4 %
Total servicesTotal services875,391 15.0 %699,574 12.2 %601,968 10.2 %Total services$1,016,501 14.8 14.8 %$1,116,927 16.3 16.3 %$903,898 16.7 16.7 %
Primary Products:
Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing, and forestry
Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing, and forestry
Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing, and forestry
Mining
21,011 21,011 0.3 %— — %— — %
Other loans (4)
Other loans (4)
721,619 12.4 %561,063 9.8 %566,256 9.6 %
Other loans (4)
1,894,539 27.6 27.6 %1,969,100 28.7 28.7 %937,493 17.3 17.3 %
$5,842,337 100.0 %$5,744,339 100.0 %$5,920,175 100.0 %
$$6,873,493 100.0 %$6,857,194 100.0 %$5,409,440 100.0 %
_________________
(1)    Consists mainly of domestic non-bank financial services companies.
(2)    Comprised mostly of CRE loans throughout South Florida, the greater Houston, Texas area, and New York.
(3) Gasoline stations represented approximately 60%57%, 64%57% and 66%59% of the retail trade sector at year-end 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively.
(4)    Primarily loans belonging to industrial sectors not included in the above sectors, which do not individually represent more than 1 percent of the total loan portfolio, and consumer loans which represented around 2%approximately 20.6%, 28.6% and 17.2% of the total.total in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.


As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $378.0 million of loans held for sale in the construction and real estate economic sector and $13.4 million of loans held for sale in other sectors. At December 31, 2021, the Company had $158.1 million of loans held for sale in the construction and real estate economic sector. There were no loans held for sale at December 31, 2022.
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Loan Quality
We use what we believe is a comprehensive methodology to monitor credit quality and manage credit concentrations within our loan portfolio. Our underwriting policies and practices govern the risk profile and credit and geographic concentrations of our loan portfolio. We also believe we employ a comprehensive methodology to monitor our intrinsic credit quality metrics, including a risk classification system that identifies possible problem loans based on risk characteristics by loan type, as well as the early identification of deterioration at the individual loan level. We also consider the evaluation of loan quality by the OCC, our primary regulator.

Analysis of the Allowance for LoanCredit Losses
AllowanceIn 2022, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 326 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326), which replaced the incurred loss methodology for estimated probable loan losses. losses with an expected credit loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. The Company adopted the CECL guidance as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption, January 1, 2022, using a modified retrospective approach for all its financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” later in this document for more details on the methodology for measuring credit losses under the CECL guidance.
The allowance for loan losses represents our estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable credit losses, inherent inor ACL, is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans held for investment asto present the net that is expected to be collected throughout the life of the respective balance sheet dates.
Our methodologyloan. The estimated ACL is recorded through a provision for assessingcredit losses charged against income. Management periodically evaluates the appropriatenessadequacy of the allowance forACL to maintain it at a level it believes to be reasonable.
The Company develops and documents its methodology to determine the ACL at the portfolio segment level. The Company determines its loan losses includes a general allowance for performing loans, which are groupedportfolio segments based on similar characteristics,the type of loans it carries and a specific allowance for individual impaired loans or loans consideredtheir associated risk characteristics. The measurement of expected credit losses considers information about historical events, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and other relevant information. Determining the amount of the ACL is complex and requires extensive judgment by management to beabout matters that are inherently uncertain. Re-evaluation of the ACL estimate in a high-risk category. General allowancesfuture periods, in light of changes in composition and characteristics of the loan portfolio, changes in the reasonable and supportable forecast and other factors then prevailing may result in material changes in the amount of the ACL and credit loss expense in those future periods.

Expected credit losses are established basedestimated on a numbercollective basis for groups of factors, including historical loss rates, an assessment of portfolio trends and conditions, accrual status and general economic conditions, including in the local markets where the loans are made.
Loans may be classified but not considered impaired due to one of the following reasons: (1) we have established minimum Dollar amount thresholds for loan impairment testing, which results in loans under those thresholds being excluded from impairment testing and therefore not included in impaired loans and; (2) classified loansthat share similar risk characteristics. Factors that may be considered nonimpaired because, despite evident weaknesses, collectionin aggregating loans for this purpose include but are not necessarily limited to, product or collateral type, industry, geography, internal risk rating, credit characteristics such as credit scores or collateral values, and historical or expected credit loss patterns. For loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans such as collateral dependent loans and modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, expected credit losses are estimated on an individual basis.

With respect to modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, a change to the ACL is generally not recorded upon modification since the effect of all amounts duethese modifications is considered probable.already included in the ACL given the measurement methodologies used to estimate the ACL. From time to time, the Company modifies loans by providing principal forgiveness on certain of its real estate loans. When principal forgiveness is provided, the amortized cost basis of the asset is written off against the ACL. The amount of the principal forgiveness is deemed to be uncollectible; therefore, that portion of the loan is written off, resulting in a reduction of the amortized cost basis and a corresponding adjustment to the ACL.






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Problem Loans. Loans are considered delinquent when principal or interest payments are past due 30 days or more. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. Once a loan to a single borrower has been placed in nonaccrual status, management reviews all loans to the same borrower to determine their appropriate accrual status. When a loan is placed in nonaccrual status, accrual of interest and amortization of net deferred loan fees or costs are discontinued, and any accrued interest receivable is reversed against interest income. Typically, the accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when principal or interest payments are past due 90 days or when, in the opinion of management, there is a reasonable doubt as to collectability in the normal course of business. When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Income on nonaccrual loans is subsequently recognized only to the extent that cash is received and the loan’s principal balance is deemed collectible. Loans are restored to accrual status when loans become well-secured and management believes full collectability of principal and interest is probable.
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A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is more likely than not that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans include loans on nonaccrual status and performing restructured loans. A loan is placed in nonaccrual status when management believes that collection in full of the principal amount of the loan or related interest is in doubt. Management considers that collectability is in doubt when any of the following factors is present, among others: (1) there is a reasonable probability of inability to collect principal, interest or both, on a loan for which payments are current or delinquent for less than ninety days; and (2) when a required payment of principal, interest or both is delinquent for ninety days or longer, unless the loan is considered well secured and in the process of collection in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Income from loans on nonaccrual status is recognized to the extent cash is received and when the loan’s principal balance is deemed collectible. Depending on a particular loan’s circumstances, we measure impairment of a loan based on an analysis of the most probable source of repayment, including the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell if the loan is collateral dependent. A loan is considered collateral dependent when repayment of the loan is based solely on the liquidation of the collateral. Fair value, where possible, is determined by independent appraisals, typically on an annual basis. Between appraisal periods, the fair value may be adjusted based on specific events, such as if deterioration of quality of the collateral comes to our attention as part of our problem loan monitoring process, or if discussions with the borrower lead us to believe the last appraised value no longer reflects the actual market for the collateral. The impairment amount on a collateral-dependent loan is charged-off to the allowance for loan losses if deemed not collectible and the impairment amount on a loan that is not collateral-dependent is set up as a specific reserve.
In cases where a borrower experiences financial difficulties and we make certain concessionary modifications to contractual terms, the loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring, or TDR. These concessions may include a reduction of the interest rate, principal or accrued interest, extension of the maturity date or other actions intended to minimize potential losses. Loans restructured at a rate equal to or greater than that of a new loan with comparable risk at the time the loan is modified may be excluded from restructured loan disclosures in years subsequent to the restructuring if the loans are in compliance with their modified terms. A restructured loan is considered impaired despite its accrual status and a specific reserve is calculated based on the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell if the loan is collateral dependent.
In 2020, the Company began offering customized loan payment relief options as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including deferral and forbearance options. Consistent with accounting and regulatory guidance, temporary modifications granted under these programs are not considered TDRs. See discussion further below for more information on these modifications.
Allocation of Allowance for LoanCredit Losses
In the following table, we present the allocation of the allowance for loan lossesACL by loan segment at the end of the periods presented. The amounts shown in this table should not be interpreted as an indication that charge-offs in future periods will occur in these amounts or percentages. These amounts represent our best estimates of expected credit losses incurred, but not yet identified,to be collected throughout the life of the loans, at the reported dates, derived from the mosthistorical events, current information available to us at those datesconditions and therefore, do not include the impact of future events that may or not confirm the accuracy of those estimatesreasonable and supportable forecasts at the dates reported. Our allowance for loancredit losses is established using estimates and judgments, which consider the views of our regulators in their periodic examinations. Re-evaluation of the ACL estimate in future periods, in light of changes in composition and characteristics of the loan portfolio, changes in the reasonable and supportable forecast and other factors then prevailing may result in material changes in the amount of the ACL and credit loss expense in those future periods. We also show the percentage of each loan class, which includes loans in nonaccrual status.
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December 31,
20202019201820172016
December 31,December 31,
202320232022202120202019
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages)Allowance% of Loans in Each Category to Total LoansAllowance% of Loans in Each Category to Total LoansAllowance% of Loans in Each Category to Total LoansAllowance% of Loans in Each Category to Total LoansAllowance% of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans(in thousands, except percentages)Allowance% of Loans in Each Category to Total LoansAllowance% of Loans in Each Category to Total LoansAllowance% of Loans in Each Category to Total LoansAllowance% of Loans in Each Category to Total LoansAllowance% of Loans in Each Category to Total Loans
Domestic Loans
Total Loans
Total Loans
Total Loans
Real estate
Real estate
Real estateReal estate$50,227 48.2 %$25,040 51.7 %$22,778 51.3 %$31,290 48.0 %$30,713 41.2 %$25,876 35.8 35.8 %$25,237 42.1 42.1 %$17,952 43.5 43.5 %$50,227 48.2 48.2 %$25,040 51.7 51.7 %
CommercialCommercial48,035 38.0 %22,132 38.1 %29,278 37.0 %30,782 33.4 %30,217 38.3 %Commercial41,809 39.0 39.0 %25,888 35.4 35.4 %38,979 39.1 39.1 %48,130 38.9 38.9 %22,482 38.9 38.9 %
Financial institutionsFinancial institutions— 0.3 %42 0.3 %41 0.3 %31 0.3 %56 0.2 %Financial institutions— 0.2 0.2 %— 0.2 0.2 %42 0.3 0.3 %0.3 0.3 %42 0.3 0.3 %
Consumer and others (1)
Consumer and others (1)
10,729 10.9 %1,677 6.9 %1,985 6.3 %60 5.9 %1,063 5.6 %
Consumer and others (1)
27,819 25.0 25.0 %32,375 22.3 22.3 %12,926 17.1 17.1 %12,544 12.6 12.6 %4,659 9.1 9.1 %
108,991 97.4 %48,891 97.0 %54,082 94.9 %62,163 87.6 %62,049 85.3 %
International Loans (2)
Commercial95 0.9 %350 0.8 %740 1.2 %1,905 1.1 %10,680 4.1 %
Financial institutions— %— — %404 0.8 %4,331 7.9 %5,248 7.1 %
Consumer and others (1)
1,815 1.7 %2,982 2.2 %6,536 3.1 %3,601 3.4 %3,774 3.5 %
1,911 2.6 %3,332 3.0 %7,680 5.1 %9,837 12.4 %19,702 14.7 %
Total Allowance for Loan Losses$110,902 100.0 %$52,223 100.0 %$61,762 100.0 %$72,000 100.0 %$81,751 100.0 %
% Total Loans1.90 %0.91 %1.04 %1.19 %1.42 %
Total Allowance for Credit Losses
Total Allowance for Credit Losses
Total Allowance for Credit Losses$95,504100.0%$83,500100.0%$69,899100.0%$110,902100.0%$52,223100.0%
% Total Loans held for investment
__________________
(1)     Includes:Includes (i) indirect consumer loans purchased since 2020; (ii) mortgage loans secured by single-family residential properties located in the U.S in all years presented; and (iii) credit card receivables to cardholders for whom charge privileges have been stopped as of December 31, 2019; (ii) mortgage loans for and secured by single-family residential properties located in the U.S.2019. The total allowance for loancredit losses for credit card receivables, after the charge-offs, was at $1.8 million at December 31, 2019. OutstandingWe discontinued our credit card programs in 2020 and the outstanding credit card balances at the close of 2019 were repaid during the first quarter of 2020, therefore, there is2020. There are no credit card balances or allowance for credit losses on the credit card product as of December 31,in 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020.
(2)     Includes transactions in which the debtor or customer is domiciled outside the U.S. despite all collateral being located in the U.S.

In 2020,2023, the changes in the composition of the ALL were primarily driven by the allocation of the ACL were primarily attributed to reserve requirements for loan loss provisions increase due to the estimated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among the respective impacted portfolios, mostly domestic real estate, domestic commercial and domestic consumer. In addition, the allocation of the ALL in 2020 reflectscharge-offs, loan composition and credit quality changes compared to 2019, primarily driven by purchases in 2020 of domestic consumer loans and the discontinuation of the international credit cards in 2019.as well as updated macroeconomic factors.
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Non-Performing Assets
In the following table, we present a summary of our non-performing assets by loan class, which includes non-performing loans by portfolio segment, both domestic and international, and OREO, at the dates presented. Non-performing loans consist of (1) nonaccrual loans where the accrual of interest has been discontinued; (2) accruing loans ninety days or more contractually past due as to interest or principal; and (3) restructured loans that are considered TDRs.Troubled Debt Restructurings, or TDR.
December 31,
December 31,December 31,
(in thousands)(in thousands)20202019201820172016(in thousands)20232022202120202019
Non-Accrual Loans(1)
Non-Accrual Loans(1)
Domestic Loans:
Non-Accrual Loans(1)
Non-Accrual Loans(1)
Real estate loans
Real estate loans
Real estate loansReal estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupiedNonowner occupied$8,219 $1,936 $— $489 $10,256 
Multifamily residentialMultifamily residential11,340 — — — 215 
Land development and construction loans— — — — 2,719 
19,559 1,936 — 489 13,190 
8
8
8
Single-family residentialSingle-family residential8,778 5,431 5,198 4,277 7,917 
Owner occupied12,815 14,130 4,983 12,227 17,185 
Owner occupied (2)
6,289
Commercial loans (2)(3)(4)
Consumer loans and overdrafts(5)
Total Non-Accrual Loans
41,152 21,497 10,181 16,993 38,292 
Commercial loans (2)
44,205 9,149 4,772 2,500 12,728 
Consumer loans and overdrafts219 390 11 46 
Total Domestic85,576 31,036 14,964 19,502 51,066 
International Loans: (3)
Past Due Accruing Loans(6)
Past Due Accruing Loans(6)
Past Due Accruing Loans(6)
Real estate loans
Real estate loans
Real estate loansReal estate loans
Single-family residentialSingle-family residential1,889 1,860 1,491 727 976 
Commercial loans— — — 6,447 18,376 
Consumer loans and overdrafts14 26 24 46 28 
Total International1,903 1,886 1,515 7,220 19,380 
Total-Non-Accrual Loans$87,479 $32,922 $16,479 $26,722 $70,446 
Past Due Accruing Loans(4)
Domestic Loans:
Real estate loans
Single-family residential
Single-family residentialSingle-family residential$— $— $54 $112 $116 
Owner occupiedOwner occupied220 — — — — 
Commercial loansCommercial loans— — — — — 
Consumer loans and overdraftsConsumer loans and overdrafts— — — — 
Total Domestic221 — 54 112 116 
Total Past Due Accruing Loans
International Loans (3):
Real estate loans
Single-family residential— — 365 114 — 
Consumer loans and overdrafts— 884 — 370 
Total International— 1,249 114 370 
Total Past Due Accruing Loans221 1,303 226 486 
Total Non-Performing Loans
Total Non-Performing Loans
Total Non-Performing LoansTotal Non-Performing Loans87,700 32,927 17,782 26,948 70,932 
Other real estate ownedOther real estate owned427 42 367 319 386 
Total Non-Performing AssetsTotal Non-Performing Assets$88,127 $32,969 $18,149 $27,267 $71,318 

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__________________________________
(1)    IncludesPrior to 2023, included loan modifications that met the definition of TDRs, which may be performing in accordance with their modified loan terms. As of December 31, 20202021 and 2019,2020, non-performing TDRs include $8.4$9.1 million and $9.8$8.4 million, respectively, in a multiple loan relationship to a South Florida borrower. In the third quarter of 2022, this loan relationship was upgraded and placed back in accrual status.
(2) In 2023, the Company sold a loan relationship in nonaccrual status and classified as Substandard with a total carrying value of $8.6 million at the time of sale. This loan relationship included a commercial loan of $4.6 million and multiple owner occupied loans totaling $4.0 million. The Company charged-off $2.1 million against the ACL in the third quarter of 2023 in connection with this sale, which had already been reserved in a prior period. Therefore, this transaction had no impact to the Company’s results of operations in the third quarter of 2023.
(3) In 2023, the Company collected $2.8 million in full satisfaction of a commercial loan relationship in nonaccrual status and was previously classified as Substandard. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, includes a$9.1 million and $19.6 million, respectively, in a commercial relationship placed in nonaccrual status during the second quarter of 2020. During the third quarterquarters of 2021 and 2020, the Company charged off $5.7 million and $19.3 million, respectively, against the allowance for loancredit losses as result of the deterioration of this commercial relationship.
(3)    Includes transactions In addition, in whichconnection with this loan relationship, the debtor or customer is domiciled outside the U.S., despite all collateral being locatedCompany collected a partial principal payment of $4.8 million in the U.S.fourth quarter of 2021. Furthermore, in the second quarter of 2022, the Company collected an additional partial principal payment of $5.5 million and charged off the remaining balance of $3.6 million against the ACL. Therefore, as of December 31, 2022, there were no outstanding balances associated with this loan relationship.
(4)    In the first quarter of 2022, the Company collected a partial payment of approximately $9.8 million on one commercial nonaccrual loan of $12.4 million. Also, in the first quarter of 2022, the Company charged-off the remaining balance of this loan of $2.5 million.
(5)    In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company changed its charge-off policy for unsecured consumer loans from 120 to 90 days past due. This change resulted in an additional $3.4 million in charge-off for unsecured consumer loans in 2022.
(6)    Loans past due 90 days or more but still accruing.
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The following table presents the activity of non-performing assets in 2023:



Year Ended December 31, 2023
(in thousands)Commercial Real EstateSingle-family ResidentialOwner-occupiedCommercialFinancial InstitutionsConsumer and OthersOREO and Other Repossessed AssetsTotal
Balance at beginning of period$20,057 $1,779 $6,270 $9,454 $— $39 $— $37,599 
Plus: loans placed in nonaccrual status26,126 2,493 3,065 46,949 — 28,085 — 106,718 
Less: nonaccrual loan charge-offs(10,418)(39)— (21,395)— (28,013)— (59,865)
Less: nonaccrual loans sold, net of charge offs— — (4,084)(2,413)— — — (6,497)
(Less) Plus: nonaccrual loan collections and others(15,700)(1,445)(1,429)(4,110)— (38)124 (22,598)
Plus: increase in past-due accruing loans (1)— 4,965 — 674 — 14 — 5,653 
Less: loans returned to accrual status— (76)— — — — — (76)
Transferred from Loans to OREO and Other Repossessed Assets(20,057)— — (6,353)— — 26,410 — 
Less: other repossessed assets sold— — — — — — (6,353)(6,353)
Balances at end of period$$7,677 $3,822 $22,806 $— $87 $20,181 $54,581 
__________________

(1)    Loans past due 90 days or more but still accruing.

At December 31, 2020, non-performing assets increased $55.2
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company had two commercial loans totaling $17.0 million or 167.3%, comparedthat were further downgraded to December 31, 2019.nonaccrual status.
In the third quarter of 2023, the Company sold a loan relationship in nonaccrual status and classified as Substandard with a total carrying value of $8.6 million at the time of sale. This increase was mainly dueloan relationship included a commercial loan of $4.6 million and multiple owner occupied loans totaling $4.0 million. The Company charged-off $2.1 million against the ACL in the third quarter of 2023 in connection with this sale, which had already been reserved in a prior period. Therefore, this transaction had no impact to the placementCompany’s results of operations in non-accrualthe third quarter of 2023.

In the second quarter of 2023, the Company placed in nonaccrual status of: (i)and further downgraded to Substandard a New York-based CRE multi-family residential loan of $23.3 million. In the Coffee Trader loan relationship totaling $19.6 million at December 31, 2020, netfourth quarter of a $19.3 million charge-off recorded in 2020 and2023, the Company collected a partial payment of $0.9$13 million collected in 2020; (ii)on this loan and charged off the remaining portion of $10.3 million against the ACL.
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In the first quarter of 2023, the Company received one commercialCRE property guaranteeing a New York based non-owner-occupied loan for $13.1 million towith a food wholesaler with exposure to the cruise industry; (iii) a $7.7 million commercial relationship to a building contractor, including two commercial loans totaling $5.5carrying amount of $20.1 million, and transferred it to OREO at the net of its fair value less cost to sell of approximately $20.2 million. This loan was among the loans placed in non-accrual status in 2022. There was no impact on the consolidated results of operations in 2023 as a $2.2 million owner-occupied loan; (iv) $5.0 million composedresult of four commercial loans with outstanding balances below $1.5 million to customers in the airline service provider industry, and electronic wholesaler/distributor industry; (v) $6.0 million in multiple single-family residential loans (vi) three multi-family loans totaling $11.3 million, and (vii) one CRE retail loan of $6.5 million. These increases were partially offset by $7.6 million corresponding to paydowns and payoffs in 2020.this transaction.

WeIn the first quarter of 2023, the Company placed in nonaccrual status a $12.9 million equipment-financing commercial loan relationship, charged-off $6.5 million related to the portion of the balance deemed uncollectible, and transferred the remaining balance of $6.4 million to other repossessed assets. In the second quarter of 2023, the Company sold these repossessed assets and recognized no interest incomea loss on nonaccrual loans during 2020, 2019 and 2018. Additional interest income that we would have recognized on these nonaccrual loans had they been currentthe sale of $2.6 million which is included in accordance with their original terms was $2.7 million, $1.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively, in these years. We recognized interest income on loans modified under troubled debt restructuringsthe result of $36 thousand, $0.2 million and $0.2 million duringoperations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. At December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, there were $0.3 million, $0.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively of TDRs which were all accruing interest at these dates.

period.
We utilize an asset risk classification system in compliance with guidelines established by the U.S. federal banking regulators as part of our efforts to monitor and improve asset quality. In connection with examinations of insured institutions, examiners have the authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate, classify them or require a change to the rating assigned by our risk classification system. There are four classifications for problem assets: “special mention,” “substandard,” “doubtful,” and “loss.” Special mention loans are loans identified as having potential weakness that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may, at some future date, result in the deterioration of the repayment prospects of the loan. Substandard assets have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the insured institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Doubtful assets have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full questionable and there is a high probability of loss based on currently existing facts, conditions and values. An asset classified as loss is not considered collectable and is of such little value that the continuance of carrying a value on the books is not warranted.

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We sometimes use the term “classified loans” to describe loans that are substandard and doubtful, and we use the term “criticized loans” to describe loans that are special mention and classified loans.

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The Company’s loans by credit quality indicators at December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021 are summarized in the following table. We have no purchased credit-impaired loans.
202020192018
2023202320222021
(in thousands)(in thousands)Special MentionSubstandardDoubtful
Total(1)
Special MentionSubstandardDoubtful
Total(1)
Special MentionSubstandardDoubtful
Total(1)
(in thousands)Special MentionSubstandardDoubtful
Total(1)
Special MentionSubstandardDoubtful
Total(1)
Special MentionSubstandardDoubtful
Total(1)
Real estate loansReal estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied (2)
$46,872 $4,994 $3,969 $55,835 $9,324 $762 $1,936 $12,022 $6,561 $222 $— $6,783 
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupied
Multi-family residentialMulti-family residential— 11,340 — 11,340 — — — — — — — — 
Land development and construction loansLand development and construction loans7,164 — — 7,164 9,955 — — 9,955 — — — — 
54,036 16,334 3,969 74,339 19,279 762 1,936 21,977 6,561 222 — 6,783 
Single-family residentialSingle-family residential— 10,667 — 10,667 — 7,291 — 7,291 — 7,108 — 7,108 
Owner occupiedOwner occupied22,343 12,917 — 35,260 8,138 14,240 — 22,378 9,019 9,451 — 18,470 
76,379 39,918 3,969 120,266 27,417 22,293 1,936 51,646 15,580 16,781 — 32,361 
Commercial loans (2) (3)
42,434 21,152 23,256 86,842 5,569 8,406 2,669 16,644 3,943 6,462 589 10,994 
15,723
Commercial loans
Consumer loans and overdraftsConsumer loans and overdrafts— 238 — 238 — 67 357 424 — 6,062 — 6,062 
$118,813 $61,308 $27,225 $207,346 $32,986 $30,766 $4,962 $68,714 $19,523 $29,305 $589 $49,417 
Consumer loans and overdrafts
Consumer loans and overdrafts
$
_________
(1) There were no loans categorized as “Loss” as of the dates presented.
(2) Balances have been updated from

For more information on the original balances reportedactivity of Classified loans in 2023, please refer to non-performing assets discussions above. All nonaccrual loans are classified as Substandard.

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Classified Loans. Classified loans includes substandard and doubtful loans. The following table presents the Company’s press release, dated January 29, 2021, relating to its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2020. This was due to downgrades resulting from ongoing reviews that took place during the preparationactivity of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.classified loans in 2023:
(3) As

(in thousands)Year Ended December 31, 2023
Commercial Real EstateSingle-family ResidentialOwner-occupiedCommercialFinancial InstitutionsConsumer and OthersTotal
Balance at beginning of period$20,113 $1,930 $6,356 $10,449 $— $230 $39,078 
Plus: loans downgraded to substandard and doubtful26,126 3,574 3,080 46,969 — 28,153 107,902 
— 
Less: classified loan charge-offs(10,418)(39)— (21,395)— (28,013)(59,865)
Less: classified loans sold, net of charge offs— — (4,084)(2,413)— — (6,497)
Plus: classified loan collections and others(15,756)(2,589)(1,462)(4,286)— (329)(24,422)
Less: loans upgraded— (76)— — — — (76)
Transferred from Loans to OREO and Other Repossessed Assets(20,057)— — (6,353)— — (26,410)
Balances at end of period$$2,800 $3,890 $22,971 $— $41 $29,710 


Special Mention Loans. Special mention loans as of December 31, 2020, includes $19.62023 totaled $46.0 million, in a commercial relationship placed in nonaccrual status and downgraded during the second quarteran increase of 2020. As$35.9 million, or 354.1%, from $10.1 million as of December 31, 2020, Substandard loans include $7.3 million and doubtful loans include $12.3 million, related to this commercial relationship. During the third quarter of 2020, the Company charged off $19.3 million against the allowance for loan losses as result of the deterioration of this commercial relationship.

2020 compared to 2019
At December 31, 2020, criticized loans increased $138.6 million, or 201.8%, compared to December 31, 2019.2022. The increase is composed of a $52.8 million, or 147.8%, increase in classified loans and a $85.8 million, or 260.2%, increase in special mention loans, compared to December 31, 2019. The $52.8 million, or 147.8%, increase in classified loans includes increases of $30.5 million, or 99.3%, and $22.3 million, or 448.7%, in substandard and doubtful loans, respectively. See discussions below.
At December 31, 2020, special mention loans increased $85.8 million, or 260.2%, compared to December 31, 2019, mainlywas primarily due to an aggregate of $105.6 million in downgrades to special mention of:Special Mention, which are primarily related to: (i) one non-owner occupied loan of $29.9two commercial loans totaling $39.3 million; (ii) $43.9 million that were subsequently downgraded to Substandard as detailed in the CRE retail industry; (ii) one commercial loan for $21.6 million related to a service provider in the airline industry;nonaccrual loans discussion above, and (iii) one commercial loan totaling $15.6 million related to a manufacturer/trader of industrial grade steel; (iv) two owner occupied loans totaling $14.8 million, one in the graphic design industry and one to a bowling entertainment center, and (v) four non-owner occupied loans totaling $17.0 million operating in the CRE retail industry. Thisother smaller loans. The increase was partially offset by: (i) $11.7payoffs totaling $15.9 million related to two loans, and (ii) $10 million in upgrades during the period corresponding mainly to three non-owner occupied loans totaling $9.3 million; (ii) $6.4 million in paydowns and payoffs, and (iii) a charge-off of $1.5 million related to one commercial loan to a distributor of office equipment.two loans. All specialSpecial mention loans remain current.remained current at December 31, 2023.

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At December 31, 2020, substandard loans increased $30.5 million, or 99.3%, compared to December 31, 2019. This increase included the downgrade of the $39.8 million Coffee Trader loan relationship (out of which $31.6 million were further downgraded to the doubtful classification and $0.9 million was collected as a partial payment, as a result, $7.3 million remained in the substandard classification at December 31, 2020). Also, in 2020, we downgraded a $13.1 million loan to a food wholesaler with exposure to the cruise industry (out of which $9.2 million were further downgraded to the doubtful classification in 2020, therefore, $3.9 million remained in the substandard classification at December 31, 2020). In addition, in 2020, the Company downgraded one CRE retail loan of $6.5 million, including $2.2 million further downgraded to the doubtful classification and $4.3 million that remained in the substandard classification as of December 31, 2020. Other downgrades during the period mainly included: (i) a $7.7 million commercial relationship to a building contractor composed of two commercial loans totaling $5.5 million and a $2.2 million owner-occupied loan; (ii) $5.0 million composed of four commercial loans with outstanding below $1.5 million to customers in the airline service provider industry, and electronic wholesaler/distributor industry; (iii) $6.0 million in multiple single-family residential loans, and (iv) three multi-family loans totaling $11.3 million. These increases were partially offset by: (i) the further downgrade to doubtful of $5.0 million corresponding to one of the commercial loans to the building contractor mentioned above, and (ii) $7.6 million corresponding paydowns and payoffs.
At December 31, 2020, doubtful loans increased by $22.3 million, or 448.7%%, mainly driven by the downgrade to doubtful of $31.6 million included in the aforementioned Coffee Trader loan relationship (of which $19.3 million were charged-off, therefore, $12.3 million remained in the doubtful classification at December 31, 2020). Also, the increase in doubtful loans in 2020, includes $9.2 million related to the aforementioned commercial loan of $13.1 million to a food wholesaler with exposure to the cruise industry and $2.2 million related to the aforementioned CRE retail loan of $6.5 million. Other main increases correspond to: (i) one commercial loan for $5.0 million downgraded to doubtful and charged-off, tied to the $7.7 million building contractor relationship mentioned in the previous section, and (ii) one commercial loan of $1.1 million to an electronics distributor. The increase in doubtful loans was partially offset by: (i) a charge off of $1.9 million related to a commercial loan tied to the South Florida food wholesale relationship previously mentioned, and (ii) the charge-off of one commercial loan for $1.0 million.
On March 26, 2020, the Company began offering customized loan payment relief options as a result of the impact of COVID-19, including deferral and forbearance options. Initial deferrals were mainly for 90 days, second deferrals for an additional 90 days and third deferrals above 180 days. Loans which have been modified under these programs totaled $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2020. In accordance with accounting and regulatory guidance, loans to borrowers benefiting from these measures are not considered TDRs.
As of December 31, 2020, $43.4 million, or 0.7% of total loans, were still under the deferral and/or forbearance period. The balance as of December 31, 2020 includes $15.8 million of loans under a second deferral and $26.8 million under a third deferral, which the Company began to selectively offer as additional temporary loan modifications under programs that allow it to extend the deferral and/or forbearance period beyond 180 days.
Additionally, 97.5% of the loans under deferral and/or forbearance are backed by real estate collateral with average Loan to Value (“LTV”) of 61.7% and 99.6% of loans out of forbearance have resumed regular payments. Notably, the Company now has no deferrals and/or forbearance in its hotel loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2020 this portfolio represented 3.3% of total loans. The Company continues to closely monitor the performance of the remaining loans under the terms of the temporary relief granted.

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The concentration of the loan portfolio remains stable compared to December 31, 2019. Except for loans to the real estate industry, the loan portfolio remains well diversified with the highest industry concentration representing 10.3% of total loans, down from 12.0% at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2020, the Company’s CRE loan portfolio represented 48.6% of total loans, down from 51.7% at December 31, 2019. These loans had an estimated weighted average LTV of 60% and an estimated weighted average Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) of 1.7x at December 31, 2020. Importantly, CRE loans to top tier customers, which are those considered to have the greatest strength and credit quality, represented approximately 41% of the CRE loan portfolio at that date, unchanged from December 31, 2019.
While it is difficult to estimate the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s credit quality, we continue to proactively and carefully monitor the Company’s credit quality practices, including examining and responding to patterns or trends that may arise across certain industries or regions. Importantly, while the Company continues to offer customized temporary loan payment relief options, including deferral and forbearance options, which are not considered TDRs, it will continue to assess its willingness to offer such programs over time.
2019 compared to 2018
At December 31, 2019, criticized loans increased $19.3 million, or 39.0%, compared to December 31, 2018. The increase is composed of a $5.8 million, or 19.5%, increase in classified loans and a $13.5 million, or 69.0%, increase in special mention loans, compared to December 31, 2018, respectively.
The increase in classified loans is mainly attributed to the $11.9 million multi-loan relationship with the South Florida food wholesale borrower previously mentioned, one owner-occupied loan of $1.9 million, one commercial loan of $2.4 million, and one CRE loan of $0.8 million. These increases were partially offset by the upgrade of one single-family loan for $0.7 million, the charge-off of credit cards totaling $5.3 million, one commercial loan charged-off for $0.6 million, and pay downs of two owner-occupied loans totaling $1.9 million, one commercial loan for $0.9 million, and one single-family residential loan for $0.6 million.
The increase in special mention loans is mainly attributed to a $10.0 million condo construction relationship SNC loan in New York City, three commercial loan relationships totaling $4.4 million, four owner occupied loans totaling $7.7 million, and two CRE loans totaling $5.7 million downgraded to special mention during the period. This was partially offset by the downgrades from special mention, including $9.4 million of loans related to the food wholesale borrower previously mentioned, one CRE loan for $0.8 million, one owner-occupied loan relationship for $2.0 million, and the upgrade of one owner occupied loan for $2.2 million. Management believes that these individual loan downgrades are not reflective of an overall negative trend. We continue to closely monitor the performance and status of these loans.
At December 31, 2019, approximately 95% of our credit card holders were foreign, mostly Venezuelan, and the card receivables were reflecting the stresses in the Venezuelan economy. In April 2019, we revised our credit card program to further strengthen the Company’s overall credit quality. We stopped charge privileges to our riskiest cardholders and required repayment of their balances by November 2019. In October 2019, we curtailed charge privileges to the remaining cardholders and required repayment of their balances by January 2020. All amounts deemed uncollectible were charged off during 2019. Charge-offs during 2019 were $5.3 million. At December 31, 2019, the outstanding balance and the assigned allowance for loan losses after the charge-offs was $11.1 million and $1.8 million, respectively. At December 31, 2019, there were no credit cards classified as substandard. All the remaining credit card balances were repaid during the first quarter of 2020.

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Potential problem loans at December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021 included:
(in thousands)202020192018
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied$744 $762 $222 
Single-family residential— — — 
Owner occupied102 110 4,468 
846 872 4,690 
Commercial loans198 1,926 2,433 
Loans to depository institutions and acceptances— — — 
Consumer loans and overdrafts (1)
— 5,144 
$1,044 $2,807 $12,267 

(in thousands)202320222021
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate (CRE)
Nonowner occupied$— $— $— 
Multi-family residential— — — 
Land development and construction loans— — 94 
— — 94 
Single-family residential221 150 95 
Owner occupied78 86 — 
299 236 189 
Commercial loans967 1,178 1,380 
Loans to depository institutions and acceptances— — — 
Consumer loans and overdrafts (1)
— 226 13 
$1,266 $1,640 $1,582 
________
(1) Corresponds to international consumer loans.

At December 31, 2020,2023, total potential problem loans decreased $1.8$0.4 million, or 62.8%22.8%, compared to December 31, 2019. The decrease is2022. This was mainly attributeddue to one loan for $1.8$0.4 million to a food wholesaler which was placed in non-accrual status during the period.

At December 31, 2019, total potential problem loans decreased $9.5paydowns and $0.2 million or 77.1%, compared to December 31, 2018. The decrease is mainly attributed to two owner-occupied loans totaling $2.5 million placed on non-accrual status, two owner-occupied loans totaling $2.6 million that were paid off, three commercial loans totaling $0.5 million that were paid off or paid down, and thein charge-offs, of credit cards mentioned above. This decreases were partially offset by the addition of one CREa new residential loan for $0.8of $0.2 million.
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Securities
Our investment decision process is based on an approved investment policy and several investment programs. We seek a consistent risk adjusted return through consideration of the following four principles:
investment quality;
liquidity requirements;
interest-rate risk sensitivity; and
potential returns on investment
The Bank’s boardBoard of directorsDirectors approves the Bank’s and related companies ALCO investment policy and programs which govern the investment process. The ALCO oversees the investment process monitoring compliance to approved limits and targets. The Company’s investment decisions are based on the above-mentioned four principles, other factors considered relevant to particular investments and strategies, market conditions and the Company’s overall balance sheet position. ALCO regularly evaluates the investments’ performance within the approved limits and targets. The Company proactively manages its investment securities portfolio as a source of liquidity and as an economic hedge against declining interest rates.


rates whenever appropriate.
111110

The following table sets forth the book value and percentage of each category of securities at December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018.2021. The book value for debt securities classified as available for sale and equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading represents fair value. The book value for debt securities classified as held to maturity represents amortized cost. As a resultcost less allowance for credit losses (“ACL”), if any. The Company adopted CECL in 2022 and determined that an ACL on its debt securities held to maturity as of the adoption of a new accounting standards on financial instruments, in 2019, the Company reclassified its equity securities out of the available for sale category , as previously presented in prior periods, into equity securities with readily determinable fair valueDecember 31, 2023 and 2022 was not held for trading.required.
2023202320222021
AmountAmount%Amount%Amount%
(in thousands, except percentages)
Debt securities available for sale:
Debt securities available for sale:
Debt securities available for sale:
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt$557,307 37.2 %$437,674 32.0 %$450,773 33.6 %
Corporate debt (1) (2)(3)
Corporate debt (1) (2)(3)
260,802 17.4 %280,700 20.6 %357,790 26.7 %
U.S. government agency debtU.S. government agency debt390,777 26.1 %330,821 24.2 %361,906 27.0 %
Municipal bondsMunicipal bonds1,668 0.1 %1,656 0.1 %2,348 0.2 %
Collateralized loan obligationsCollateralized loan obligations4,957 0.4 %4,774 0.4 %— — %
U.S. Treasury debt
U.S. Treasury debt
U.S. Treasury debt1,991 0.1 %1,996 0.1 %2,502 0.2 %
1,217,502 1,217,502 81.3 %1,057,621 77.4 %1,175,319 87.7 %
202020192018
Amount%Amount%Amount%
(in thousands, except percentages)
Debt securities available for sale:
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt661,335 48.1 %933,112 53.6 %820,779 47.2 %
Corporate debt (1) (2)
301,714 22.0 %252,836 14.5 %352,555 20.2 %
U.S. government agency debt204,578 14.9 %228,397 13.1 %216,985 12.5 %
Municipal bonds54,944 4.0 %50,171 2.9 %160,212 9.2 %
Commercial paper— — %— — %12,410 0.7 %
U.S. Treasury debt2,512 0.2 %104,236 6.0 %— — %
Debt securities held to maturity (4)
Debt securities held to maturity (4)
Debt securities held to maturity (4)
226,645 15.1 %242,101 17.7 %118,175 8.8 %
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading(5)
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading(5)
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading(5)
2,534 0.2 %11,383 0.8 %252 — %
1,225,083 89.2 %1,568,752 90.1 %1,562,941 89.8 %
Debt securities held to maturity (3)
58,127 4.2 %73,876 4.3 %85,188 4.9 %
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading(4)
24,342 1.8 %23,848 1.4 %23,110 1.3 %
Other securities (6):
Other securities (5):
65,015 4.8 %72,934 4.2 %70,189 4.0 %
Other securities (6):
$1,372,567 100.0 %$1,739,410 100.0 %$1,741,428 100.0 %
Other securities (6):
50,294 3.4 %55,575 4.1 %47,495 3.5 %
$$1,496,975 100.0 %$1,366,680 100.0 %$1,341,241 100.0 %

_________________
(1)     As of December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021 corporate debt securities include $17.1$10.5 million, $5.2$9.7 million and $36.2$12.5 million, respectively, in “investment-grade” quality securities issued by foreign corporate entities. The securities issuers were from Canada in two different sectors in 2023 and 2022, and from Japan and Canada in three different sectors in 2020, from Japan in the financial services sector in 2019 and from Europe and Japan in three different sectors in 2018.2021. The Company limits exposure to foreign investments based on cross border exposure by country, risk appetite and policy. All foreign investments are denominated in U.S. Dollars.
(2) As of December 31, 20202023, 2022 and 2019,2021, debt securities in the financial services sector issued by domestic corporate entities represent 2.7%1.9% , 2.3% and 1.3%3.1% of our total assets, respectively.
(3) As of December 31, 2023 and 2022 , includes $127.2 million and $143.0 million, respectively, in subordinated debt securities issued by financial institutions. Additionally, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were $59.6 million and $63.3 million in unsecured senior notes issued by financial institutions.
(4)    Includes securities issued by U.S. government and U.S. government sponsored agencies.
(4)    Includes(5)    In the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company sold its marketable equity securities with a total fair value of $11.2 million at the time of sale, and recognized a net loss of $0.2 million in connection with this transaction. In the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company purchased an investment in an open-end fund incorporated in the U.S.U.S with an original cost of $2.5 million. The Fund's objective is to provide a high level of current income consistent with the preservation of capital and investments deemed to be qualified under the Community Reinvestment Act.
(5)(6)    Includes investments in FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock. Amounts correspond to original cost at the date presented. Original cost approximates fair value because of the nature of these investments.


As of December 31, 2020,2023, total securities decreased by $366.8increased $130.3 million, or 21.1%9.5%, to $1.4$1.5 billion compared to $1.7$1.4 billion as of December 31, 2019. This decrease2022. The increase in 2020,2023 was mainly driven by maturities, sales and calls totaling $530.6purchases of $349.7 million, and paydowns of $285.2 million, mainlyprimarily debt securities available for sale.sale and FHLB stock . The $285.2 million in paydowns include the effect of a surge in prepayments in 2020 as a result of lower market rates and increased refinancing demand. These results wereincrease was partially offset by purchasesmaturities, sales, calls and pay downs totaling $218.5 million, primarily debt securities available for sale.
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In May 2023, the Company sold a portion of its investment in a corporate debt security held for sale issued by a financial institution, to reduce single point exposure. The Company realized proceeds of $0.8 million including the purchase $261.5and realized a pre-tax loss of $1.2 million of higher yielding corporate securities. Includedin connection with this transaction. This loss was recorded in the aforementioned $261.5consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2023.
At December 31, 2022, the Bank had one corporate debt security held for sale (the “Signature Bond”) issued by Signature Bank, N.A. (“Signature”) with a fair value of $9.1 million and unrealized loss of $0.9 million. At December 31, 2022, the Signature Bond was in an unrealized loss position for less than one year. On March 12, 2023, Signature was closed by the New York State Department of Financial Services, which appointed the FDIC as receiver. The FDIC, as receiver, announced that shareholders and certain unsecured debt holders will not be protected. On March 27, 2023, the Bank sold the Signature Bond in an open market transaction and realized a pretax loss on sale of approximately $9.5 million which is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Debt securities available for sale had net unrealized holding losses of $100.3 million and net unrealized holding gains of $3.2 million at December 31, 2023, compared to net unrealized holding losses of $113.0 million and net unrealized holding gains of $1.0 million at December 31, 2022 . In 2023, the Company recorded pre-tax net unrealized holding gains of $14.9 million which are $138.8 million consistingincluded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the period. The improvement in unrealized holding losses was mainly attributed to decreases in the medium-term market interest rates during the period. The Company does not intend to sell these debt securities and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery. The Company believes these securities are not credit-impaired because the change in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and investment securities markets, generally, and not credit quality. As a result, the Company did not record an allowance for credit losses on these securities as of financial institutions subordinated debt.December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The Company considers that all debt securities held to maturity issued or sponsored by the U.S. government are considered to be risk-free as they have the backing of the U.S. government. The Company considers there are not current expected credit losses on these securities and, therefore, did not record an ACL on any of its debt securities held to maturity as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The Company monitors the credit quality of held to maturity securities through the use of credit ratings. Credit ratings are monitored by the Company on at least a quarterly basis. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, all held to maturity securities held by the Company were rated investment grade.
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As of December 31, 2020, total available for sale debt securities includes residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities with amortized cost of $647.0 million and $123.9 million, respectively, and fair value of $666.7 million and $128.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, total available for sale debt securities includes residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities with amortized cost of $888.1 million and $150.9 million, respectively, and fair value of $894.0 million and $151.5 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, total debt securities held to maturity includes residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities with total fair values of $29.5 million ($28.7 - amortized cost) and $31.6 million ($29.5 million - amortized cost), respectively. As of December 31, 2019, total debt securities held to maturity includes residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities with total fair values of $43.8 million ($43.8 - amortized cost) and $30.8 million ($30.1 million - amortized cost), respectively.
The following table sets forth the book value, scheduled maturities and weighted average yields for our securities portfolio at December 31, 2020.2023. Similar to the table above, the book value for debt securities classified as available for sale and equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading is equal to fair market value;value. The book value for debt securities classified as held to maturity is equal to amortized cost.
(in thousands, except percentages)TotalLess than a yearOne to five yearsFive to ten yearsOver ten yearsNo maturity
AmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYield
Debt securities available for sale
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt661,335 2.41 %2,512 0.53 %19,859 2.23 %92,259 2.77 %546,705 2.37 %— — %
Corporate debt-domestic284,645 3.52 7,664 2.02 99,741 2.22 169,264 4.29 7,976 4.74 — — 
U.S. government agency debt204,578 2.03 153 2.11 11,581 1.92 15,967 1.76 176,877 2.06 — — 
U.S. Treasury debt securities2,512 0.34 — — 2,512 0.34 — — — — 
Municipal bonds54,944 2.86 — — — — 35,840 3.02 19,104 2.55 — — 
Corporate debt-foreign17,069 0.55 2,665 1.26 2,562 1.03 11,842 0.28 — — — — 
1,225,083 2.59 12,994 1.58 136,255 2.14 325,172 3.45 750,662 2.33 — — 
Debt securities held to maturity58,127 2.20 — — — — 11,409 2.92 46,718 2.02 — — 
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading24,342 1.52 %— — — — — — — — 24,342 1.52 %
Other securities65,015 4.39 — — — — — — — — 65,015 4.39 
$1,372,567 2.64 %$12,994 1.58 %$136,255 2.14 %$336,581 3.43 %$797,380 2.31 %$89,357 3.61 %

December 31, 2023
(in thousands, except percentages)TotalLess than a yearOne to five yearsFive to ten yearsOver ten yearsNo maturity
AmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYield
Debt securities available for sale
U.S. Government sponsored enterprise debt$557,307 3.98 %$616 2.82 %$36,757 3.22 %$28,642 4.12 %$491,292 4.03 %$— — %
Corporate debt-domestic250,351 4.42 %— — %89,262 5.42 %149,868 3.87 %11,221 3.71 %— — %
U.S. Government agency debt390,777 4.10 %134 3.05 %2,294 4.17 %6,167 6.34 %382,182 4.06 %— — %
Municipal bonds1,668 2.44 %— — %— — %347 1.91 %1,321 2.58 %— — %
Corporate debt-foreign10,451 3.64 %— — %8,368 3.81 %2,083 2.98 %— — %— — %
Collateralized loan obligations4,957 6.57 %— — %— — %— — %4,957 6.57 %— — %
U.S. treasury securities1,991 4.47 %1,991 4.47 %— — %— — %— — %— — %
$1,217,502 4.12 %$2,741 4.03 %$136,681 4.71 %$187,107 3.98 %$890,973 4.05 %$— — %
Debt securities held to maturity$226,645 3.40 %$— — %$— — %$19,099 2.30 %$207,546 3.50 %$— — %
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading2,534 2.80 %— — — — — — — — 2,534 2.80 %
Other securities$50,294 6.89 %$— — %$— — %$— — %$— — %$50,294 6.89 %
$1,496,975 4.10 %$2,741 4.03 %$136,681 4.71 %$206,206 3.82 %$1,098,519 3.95 %$52,828 6.69 %




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The investment portfolio’s average effective duration in years was 2.4, 3.85.0, 4.9 and 3.4 years3.6 as of December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively. TheseThe increase in effective duration in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to lower than expected mortgage-backed securities prepayments.These estimates are computed using multiple inputs that are subject, among other things, to changes in interest rates and other factors that may affect prepayment speeds. Contractual maturities of investment securities are adjusted for anticipated prepayments of amortizing U.S. government sponsored agency debt and enterprise debt securities, which shorten the average lives of these investments.

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Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment, or OTTI, at least semi-annually, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For securities in an unrealized loss position, management considers the extent and duration of the unrealized loss, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as an impairment through earnings. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: OTTI related to credit losses, which must be recognized in the income statement; and OTTI related to other factors, such as interests rate changes which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. As a result of the adoption of new accounting standards on financial instruments, any changes in the fair value of equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading are recognized through earnings.

Goodwill. Goodwill was $19.2 million and $19.5 million as of December 31, 20202023 and 2019 and $19.2 million at December 31, 2018.2022, respectively. Goodwill mainly represents the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of the net assets of a savings bank acquired in 2006,2006. In 2023, the Company recorded goodwill of $1.0 million in connection with a business acquisition completed by Amerant Mortgage in 2023. The Company recorded total goodwill impairment losses of $1.3 million in 2023 related to its subsidiaries Amerant Mortgage and the Cayman Bank acquiredBank. See Note 1 of our audited consolidated financial statements in 2019.this Form-10-K for more information about the business acquisition completed by Amerant Mortgage and the goodwill impairment charge recorded in 2023.

Liabilities. Liabilities
Total liabilities decreased $163.2 million, or 2.3%, to $7.0were $9.0 billion at December 31, 20202023, an increase of $0.6 billion, or 6.6%, compared to $7.2$8.4 billion at December 31, 2019.2022. This was primarily driven by:by net increases of: (i) a $185.0$0.9 billion, or 12.1%, in total deposits, mainly due to an increase in time deposits as well as interest bearing demand deposits. These increases were partially offset by net decreases of: (i) $261.5 million, or 15.0%28.8%, net decrease in advances from the FHLB; (ii)FHLB, including the $28.1 million redemptionrepayment of junior subordinated debentures in the first quarter of 2020, and (iii) a net decline of $25.5 million, or 0.4% in total deposits, including a decline of $378.8 million in time deposits partially offset by an increase of $353.3 million in all other deposits. This$2.2 billion, which was partially offset by the $58.6 million outstanding amountaddition of Senior Notes issued$2.0 billion of these borrowings in the second quarter2023; (ii) a decrease of 2020.
Total liabilities decreased $226.2$17.0 million, or 3.1%12.1%, to $7.2 billion at December 31, 2019 compared to $7.4 billion at December 31, 2018. Thisin long-term lease liability primarily resulting from the modification of a lease in 2023; and (iii) a net decrease was mainly driven by a declineof $16.6 million in total deposits, which include lower international deposits partially offset by increased domestic deposits, and the $25.9 million redemption of junior subordinated debentures.
See discussionobligations on deposits further below andderivative contracts margin requirements. See “Capital Resources and Liquidity Management” for more detaildetails on the redemptionchanges of trust preferred securitiesFHLB advances and related junior subordinated debt,notes and Senior Debt.“Deposits” for more details on the changes of total deposits.


Deposits

We continue with our efforts in growing our deposits. Our efforts include the additions of retail, private and commercial banking team members, which contributed to increasing deposit levels in 2023. See “Our Company- Business Developments” for additional information.

Total deposits decreased $25.5 million, or 0.4%, to $5.7were $7.9 billion at December 31, 20202023, an increase of $0.9 billion, or 12.1%, compared to $5.8 billion at December 31, 2019. This2022. The increase in deposits was mainly due to a $378.8net increase of $568.8 million , or 15.6%32.9%, decrease in time deposits including declinesin 2023 compared to 2022, which includes increases of $210.6$458.1 million, or 12.0%, and $168.2 million or 25.4%40.9%, in customer CDs and $110.8 million, or 18.2%, in brokered CDs, respectively.time deposits. In addition, there was a net increase of $281.8 million, or 5.3%, in core deposits which include increases of: (i) $260.2 million, or 11.3%, in interest bearing transaction accounts, primarily due to increase in reciprocal deposits, municipalities and domestic businesses and (ii) $59.3 million, or 4.3%, in noninterest bearing transaction accounts. The decreaseincrease in customer CDs compared to December 31, 2019core deposits was partially offset by an increasea decrease of $61.1$37.6 million, or 44.5%, in online CDs. In 2020, the Company focused on lowering CD rates and increasing lower-cost core deposits. Specifically, the Company continued to prioritize multi-product relationships, which are not based on single product high-cost CDs. In addition, in 2020, as part of our efforts to retain customers with higher probabilities of renewal at lower market rates, we renewed approximately $408.3 million at rates that were lower than the highest rates paid in our markets.

The decrease in total deposits in 2020 was partially offset by increases of $131.7 million , or 12.0%, in interest bearing, $112.6 million, or 7.6%2.3%, in savings and money market deposit accountsaccounts.

The increase in transaction account balances in 2023 compared to 2022 includes $0.3 billion or 5.4%, in higher customer account balances, partially offset by a total decrease of $3.2 million, 15.4%, or in brokered interest bearing and $108.9money market deposits.
As of December 31, 2023 total brokered deposits were $736.9 million, an increase of $107.6 million, or 14.3%17.1%, in noninterest bearing transaction accounts. These increases were mainly driven by: (i) $140.3compared to $629.3 million in interest-bearing brokered deposits which the Company began to offer in 2020 to broker-dealer firms through a third party deposit network; (ii) $at December 31, 2022.
95.4 million in deposits related to the funds from PPP loans primarily originated in the second quarter of 2020, which the Company estimates small business customers have not fully utilized, and (iii) $68.8 million related to the offering of reciprocal deposits products to certain customers who want to make their deposits in excess of $250,000 fully eligible for FDIC insurance.
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Domestic deposits increased $81.1 million,$0.8 billion, or 2.6%17.5%, in 2020 to $3.2$5.4 billion at December 31, 20202023 from $3.1$4.6 billion at December 31, 2019. 2022. Foreign deposits decreased $106.6increased $41.5 million, or 4.0%1.7%, in 2020 to $2.52023 from $2.4 billion at December 31, 2020 from $2.6 billion2022. See discussions further below.
At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, approximately 65% of our total deposits at both dates were FDIC insured. In addition, at December 31, 2019. See discussion further below for detailed information.2023 and December 31, 2022, we carried $423.0 million and $261.8 million, respectively, in qualified public deposits, which are subject to collateral maintenance requirements by the state of Florida.

At December 31, 2023, reciprocal deposits were $1.0 billion and held by over 200 customers compared to $418 million and held by over 27 customers at December 31, 2022. Reciprocal deposits are 100% insured by the FDIC, primarily through a deposit network. We are actively offering this alternative to our high balance customers.


Total deposits decreased $275.5 million, or 4.6%, to $5.8 billion at December 31, 2019 compared to $6.0 billion at December 31, 2018. In 2019, decreases of $189.7 million (14.7%) in interest bearing, $113.4 million (7.1%) in savings and money market account deposits and $5.6 million (0.7%) in noninterest bearing transaction accounts, were partially offset by a $33.2 million (1.4%) increase in time deposits. These changes in deposits and deposit mix were largely affected by declines in deposits from Venezuelan customers, as discussed below. Total brokered deposits in 2019 increased by $40.3 million in 2019 compared to 2018. The increase of $33.2 million in time deposits includes $12.9 million in deposits acquired from the Cayman bank, $20.3 million in brokered time deposits, and $86.3 million in online CD deposits, partially offset by a decline of $86.3 million in retail time deposits. We endeavor to retain customers with higher probabilities of renewal at lower-than-market rates, and focus on renewing CDs with lower probability of renewal through targeted promotions. These efforts led to time deposit renewals of approximately $345.5 million in 2019 at rates that were lower than the highest rates paid in our markets. In addition, we ramped up our efforts to raise online deposits within and outside our footprint and we expect this to continue to grow in 2020. In 2019, the Company rolled out CD campaigns designed to target our Venezuelan customers and capture greater share of wallet as well as a number of strategies to capture more domestic deposits and provide a better banking experience for all our customers.

Deposits by Country of Domicile
The following table sets forth the deposits by country of domicile of the depositor as of the dates presented.
December 31,
December 31,December 31,
(in thousands)(in thousands)20202019201820172016(in thousands)20232022202120202019
Domestic (1)
Domestic (1)
$3,202,936 $3,121,827 $3,001,366 $2,822,799 $2,484,145 
Domestic (1)
Domestic (1)
Foreign:Foreign:
Venezuela (2)
Venezuela (2)
2,119,412 2,270,970 2,694,690 3,147,911 3,676,417 
Venezuela (2)
Venezuela (2)
OthersOthers409,295 364,346 336,630 352,263 416,803 
Total foreign2,528,707 2,635,316 3,031,320 3,500,174 4,093,220 
Total foreign (3)
Total depositsTotal deposits$5,731,643 $5,757,143 $6,032,686 $6,322,973 $6,577,365 
___________
(1)     Includes brokered deposits of $736.9 million, $629.3 million, $387.3 million, $634.5 million $682.4 million, $642.1 million, $780.0 million and $690.9$682.4 million at December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016,2019, respectively.
(2)    Based upon the diligence we customarily perform to "know our customers" for anti-money laundering, OFAC and sanctions purposes, and a review of the Executive Order issued by the President of the United States on August 5, 2019 and the related Treasury Department Guidance, we believe that the current U.S. economic embargo on certain Venezuelan persons will not adversely affect our Venezuelan customer relationships, generally.

(3)    Our domestic deposits have increased every year in the period shown above, while our totalother foreign deposits especially deposits from Venezuelans, have declined during the same period. Most of the Venezuelan withdrawals from deposit accounts at the Bank are believed to be due to the effect of adverse economic conditions in Venezuela on our Venezuelan resident customers. In 2020, the pace of utilization ofdo not include deposits from Venezuelan residents decreased compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily attributable to lower economic activity in Venezuela due to health measures implemented in the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, in 2018 and 2017, the Bank selectively closed accounts held by Venezuelan and other international customers with approximately $272.4 million of deposits to reduce its compliance costs and risks.resident customers.
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The following table shows the increase or (decrease), during the year our domestic and foreign deposits, including Venezuelan resident customer deposits:
Years Ended December 31,
2020201920182017
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
20232023202220212020
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages)Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%
Domestic$81,109 2.6 %$120,461 4.0 %$178,567 6.3 %$338,654 13.6 %
Foreign (1):
(in thousands, except percentages)
(in thousands, except percentages)Amount%Amount%Amount%Amount%
Domestic (1)
Domestic (1)
$809,153 17.5 %$1,483,648 47.3 %$(65,678)(2.1)%$81,109 2.6 %
Foreign:
Venezuela
Venezuela
VenezuelaVenezuela(151,558)(6.7)%(423,720)(15.7)%(453,221)(14.4)%(528,506)(14.4)%(40,572)(2.1)(2.1)%(107,929)(5.3)(5.3)%(99,932)(4.7)(4.7)%(151,558)(6.7)(6.7)%
OthersOthers44,949 12.3 %27,716 8.2 %(15,633)(4.4)%(64,540)(15.5)%Others82,083 16.0 16.0 %37,609 7.9 7.9 %64,838 15.8 15.8 %44,949 12.3 12.3 %
Total foreignTotal foreign(106,609)(4.0)%(396,004)(13.1)%(468,854)(13.4)%(593,046)(14.5)%Total foreign41,511 1.7 1.7 %(70,320)(2.8)(2.8)%(35,094)(1.4)(1.4)%(106,609)(4.0)(4.0)%
Total depositsTotal deposits$(25,500)(0.4)%$(275,543)(4.6)%$(290,287)(4.6)%$(254,392)(3.9)%Total deposits$850,664 12.1 12.1 %$1,413,328 25.1 25.1 %$(100,772)(1.8)(1.8)%$(25,500)(0.4)(0.4)%
___________
(1)     The Bank selectively closed deposit accounts held by VenezuelanDomestic deposits, excluding brokered deposits, increased $701.5 million, $1.2 billion, $181.5 million and other international customers with balances of approximately $76.4$109.0 million in 20182023, 2022, 2021 and $196.12020, respectively.
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Domestic deposits increased $0.8 billion, or 17.5%, in 2023 to $5.4 billion at December 31, 2023 from $4.6 billion at December 31, 2022. This was primarily driven by an increase in domestic core deposits which includes new deposits from escrow accounts, municipalities, and from domestic businesses and customer relationships during the period. In addition, there was an increase of $309.6 million, or 77.2%, in 2017,domestic brokered time deposits as the Company elected to reduce its compliance costs and risks. No accounts heldincrease these deposits in order to lock lower interest rates in light of rising market rates.

Foreign deposits increased $41.5 million, or 1.7%, in 2023 to $2.5 billion at December 31, 2023 from $2.4 billion at December 31, 2022, primarily driven by Venezuelanan increase of $82.1 million, or 16.0%, in deposits from countries other internationalthan Venezuela, primarily driven by our efforts to grow deposits from customers were preemptively closed in 2020 and 2019 to reduce compliance costs and risks. We believe our deposit de-risking process is complete.those other markets. This was partially offset by a decrease of $40.6 million, or 2.1%, in deposits from customers domiciled in Venezuela.

During the year ended
Core deposits

Core deposits were $5.6 billion, $5.3 billion and $4.3 billion as of December 31, 2020, domestic2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Core deposits increased $81.1 million,represented 70.9%, 75.5% and 76.2% of our total deposits at those dates, respectively. The increase of $0.3 billion, or 2.6%5.3%, to $3.2 billion compared to $3.1 billion at December 31, 2019. Thisin core deposits in 2023 was mainly driven by the aforementioned increasespreviously mentioned increase in interest bearing transaction accounts, primarily due to new brokered interestdomestic deposits and in noninterest bearing transaction accounts. Core deposits products,consist of total deposits related to PPP loans and reciprocalexcluding all time deposits.


During the year ended December 31, 2020,Brokered deposits of customers domiciled in Venezuela decreased by $151.6 million, or 6.7%, to close at $2.1 billion from $2.3 billion at December 31, 2019. In 2020, while customers in Venezuela continue to use their deposits to cover every day expenses, the pace of utilization of these deposits declined in 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. This decline is primarily attributable to: (i) lower economic activity in Venezuela due to the COVID-19 pandemic and (ii) the Company’s increased engagement with customers and sales efforts which continued to strengthen existing relationships and the expansion of the Company’s banking products and services.

In 2020, total foreignWe utilize brokered deposits primarily as an Asset/Liability Management tool. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $736.9 million and $629.3 million in brokered deposits, which includerepresented 9.3% and 8.9%, respectively, of our total deposits. Brokered deposits from other countriesincreased $107.6 million, or 17.1%, in addition to Venezuela, decreased by $106.6 million2023 compared to December 31, 2019 ( $396.0 million2022, mainly due to an increase in 2019 compared totime deposits.
As of December 31, 2018), representing a decay rate2023 and 2022, brokered deposits included time deposits of 4.0% in 2020 compared to 13.1% in 2019.While there was a decline in foreign$719.5 million and $608.7 million, respectively, and interest bearing demand and money market deposits in 2020, the pace of such decline continues to slow compared to year ended December 31, 2019. This improvement reflects the aforementioned increased engagement with customerstotaling $17.4 million and sales efforts. In addition, the pace of utilization of deposits from Venezuelan residents decreased in 2020 due to the aforementioned impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Venezuelan economy.

The Company continued to focus on deepening existing customer relationships to capture additional share of wallet in 2020. New strategies geared towards increasing profitability include a focus on cross selling treasury management products and fees charged. In 2020, the Company executed on initiatives such as improving customer engagement through targeted call campaigns and daily customer contact as well as training sales teams to ensure alignment. Additionally, the Company’s participation in the SBA’s PPP has opened the door to a number of prospective commercial lending opportunities and new customer deposit relationships that the Company is well-positioned to capture.$20.5 million, respectively. The Company has begun to see the benefits of these initiatives to win additional share of wallet materialize.not historically sold brokered CDs in denominations over $100,000.

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The Bank uses the FFIEC’s Uniform Bank Performance Report, or UBPR, definition of core deposits, which consists of all accounts under $250,000. Core deposits, which exclude brokered time deposits and retail time deposits of more than $250,000, were $4.4 billion, $4.3 billion and $4.7 billion as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Core deposits represented 77.4%, 75.4% and 77.5% of our total deposits at those dates, respectively.
We utilize brokered deposits and, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had $634.5 million and $682.4 million in brokered deposits, which represented 11.1% and 11.9%, respectively, of our total deposits. Brokered deposits decreased by $47.9 million, or 7.0%, in 2020 compared to December 31, 2019, mainly due to matured brokered CDs which were not replaced during 2020. This was partially offset by interest-bearing deposit products offered to broker-dealer firms in 2020 through a third-party deposit broker network. These deposits reached $140.3 million at December 31, 2020, including $132.0 million and $8.3 million in brokered money market deposits and interest bearing demand deposits, respectively. At December 31, 2019, the Company had an aggregate of $20.0 million in brokered interest bearing and noninterest bearing demand deposits which matured in January 2020.The Company has not historically sold brokered CDs in denominations over $100,000.

Deposits by Type: Average Balances and Average Rates Paid

The following table sets forth the average daily balance amounts and the average rates paid on our deposits for the periods presented.
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2023202320222021
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages)AmountRatesAmountRatesAmountRates(in thousands, except percentages)AmountRatesAmountRatesAmountRates
Non-interest bearing demand depositsNon-interest bearing demand deposits$876,393 — %$791,239 — %$846,709 — %
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
Non-interest bearing demand deposits$1,356,538 — %$1,286,570 — %$1,046,766 — %
Interest bearing deposits:Interest bearing deposits:
Checking and saving accounts:Checking and saving accounts:
Checking and saving accounts:
Checking and saving accounts:
Interest bearing demand (1)
Interest bearing demand (1)
Interest bearing demand (1)
Interest bearing demand (1)
1,154,166 0.04 %1,177,031 0.08 %1,397,783 0.05 %2,486,190 2.52 2.52 %1,872,100 0.81 0.81 %1,309,699 0.05 0.05 %
Money market (2)
Money market (2)
1,165,447 0.61 %1,150,459 1.36 %1,215,635 1.06 %
Money market (2)
1,226,311 3.44 3.44 %1,323,563 0.88 0.88 %1,311,278 0.27 0.27 %
SavingsSavings321,766 0.02 %361,069 0.02 %422,672 0.02 %Savings284,510 0.05 0.05 %319,631 0.04 0.04 %324,618 0.02 0.02 %
Time Deposits (3)
Time Deposits (3)
2,360,367 1.94 %2,344,587 2.21 %2,366,423 1.78 %
Time Deposits (3)
2,074,549 3.80 3.80 %1,334,605 1.66 1.66 %1,668,459 1.42 1.42 %
5,001,746 1.07 %5,033,146 1.36 %5,402,513 1.03 %
$5,878,139 0.91 %$5,824,385 1.17 %$6,249,222 0.89 %
6,071,560 6,071,560 3.03 %4,849,899 1.01 %4,614,054 0.60 %
$$7,428,098 2.47 %$6,136,469 0.80 %$5,660,820 0.49 %
___________
(1)    IncludesIn the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 includes reciprocal deposits with a total average balance of $584.0 million (average rate - 5.23%), $253.8 million (average rate - 1.35%), and $89.6 million (average rate - 0.13%), respectively.
(2)    In the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, includes brokered deposits with a total average balance of $13.3 million (average rate - 5.07%), $43.3 million (average rate - 1.47%), and $109.3 million (average rate - 0.33%), respectively.
(3)    In the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, includes brokered deposits with average balances of $40.5$673.2 million, (average rate - 0.08%)$359.7 million, and $1.6$414.4 million, (average rate - 0.33%), respectively, in the year ended December 31, 2020. There were no interest bearing reciprocal deposits and brokered deposit balances in 2019 and 2018.
(2)    Includes brokered deposits with an average balance of $25.6 million (average rate - 0.33%) in the year ended December 31, 2020.There were no money market brokered deposits in 2019 and 2018.
(3)    Includes brokered deposits with average balancesrates of $570.8 million, $599.7 million4.36%, 2.51%, and $707.9 million in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The average rate paid on these deposits was 2.21%2.11%, 2.34% and 2.05% in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
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Large Fund Providers
Large fund providers consists of third party relationships with balances over $20 million. At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, our large fund providers, defined as third-party customer relationships with balances of over $10.0 million, included eleven19 and eight22 deposit relationships, respectively, with total balances of $349.0 million$1.1 billion and $116.9 million,$1.2 billion, respectively. In 2020, new third-party customer relationships with balances of over $10 million mainly included: (i) $140.3 million related to the aforementioned interest-bearing deposit products to broker-dealer firms; (ii) $50.1 millionThe decrease in reciprocal deposits, and (iii) $28.0 millionlarge fund providers in deposits from trust customer accounts. The $50.1 million in reciprocal deposits are part of the previously mentioned $68.8 million growth in reciprocal deposit account balances in 2020. Additionally, at December 31, 20202023 was mainly driven by the Company’s continued focus on depository relationship. At December 31, 2023 and 2019 depositsDecember 31, 2022, approximately 51% and 60%, respectively, of these deposit balances from large fund providers were insured by the Former Parent or its non-U.S. affiliates totaled $5.6 million and $7.9 million, respectively.FDIC, as most of these funds are acquired via deposit networks.

Large Time Deposits by Maturity
The following table sets forth the maturities of our time deposits with individual balances equal to or greater than $100,000 as of the dates presented.
December 31,
December 31,December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages)202020192018(in thousands, except percentages)202320222021
Less than 3 monthsLess than 3 months$433,918 34.6 %$291,075 20.4 %$339,485 24.3 %Less than 3 months$178,102 13.7 13.7 %$140,292 15.1 15.1 %$261,779 31.1 31.1 %
3 to 6 months3 to 6 months261,683 20.8 %358,061 25.1 %305,351 21.9 %3 to 6 months239,843 18.4 18.4 %148,137 16.0 16.0 %134,709 16.0 16.0 %
6 to 12 months6 to 12 months241,367 19.2 %393,555 27.6 %331,739 23.8 %6 to 12 months698,897 53.6 53.6 %497,436 53.6 53.6 %153,695 18.3 18.3 %
1 to 3 years1 to 3 years268,934 21.4 %181,105 12.7 %205,900 14.8 %1 to 3 years174,792 13.4 13.4 %135,663 14.6 14.6 %281,366 33.5 33.5 %
Over 3 yearsOver 3 years49,948 4.0 %204,303 14.2 %212,281 15.2 %Over 3 years12,974 0.9 0.9 %6,889 0.7 0.7 %8,902 1.1 1.1 %
TotalTotal$1,255,850 100.0 %$1,428,099 100.0 %$1,394,756 100.0 %Total$1,304,608 100.0 100.0 %$928,417 100.0 100.0 %$840,451 100.0 100.0 %
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Short-Term Borrowings. In addition to deposits, we use short-term borrowings, such as FHLB advances, and less frequently, advances from other banks, as a source of funds to meet the daily liquidity needs of our customers and fund growth in earning assets. Short-term borrowings have maturities of 12 months or less as of the reported period-end. All of our outstanding short-term borrowings atduring the three years ended December 31, 2020, 20192023 and 2018as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 corresponded to FHLB advances. There were no other borrowings or repurchase agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018.

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2021.
The following table sets forth information about the outstanding amounts of our short-term borrowings at the close of and for years ended December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018.2021.
Years Ended December 31,
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages)202020192018(in thousands, except percentages)202320222021
Outstanding at period-endOutstanding at period-end$— $285,000 $440,000 
Average amountAverage amount83,750 478,333 505,417 
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-endMaximum amount outstanding at any month-end300,000 600,000 632,000 
Weighted average interest rate:Weighted average interest rate:
During period During period1.45 %2.29 %2.10 %
During period
During period4.27 %1.98 %0.36 %
End of period End of period— %1.93 %2.52 % End of period5.46 %3.17 %— %





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Return on Equity and Assets
The following table shows return on average assets, return on average equity, and average equity to average assets ratio for the periods presented:
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages and per share data)202020192018
Net (loss) income$(1,722)$51,334 $45,833 
Basic (loss) earnings per common share(0.04)1.21 1.08 
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share (1)
(0.04)1.20 1.08 
Average total assets$8,031,549 $7,938,379 $8,373,108 
Average stockholders' equity838,239 797,900 728,175 
Net (loss) income / Average total assets (ROA)(0.02)%0.65 %0.55 %
Net (loss) income / Average stockholders' equity (ROE)(0.21)%6.43 %6.29 %
Average stockholders' equity / Average total assets ratio10.44 %10.05 %8.70 %
Adjusted net income (2)
$3,703 $53,138 $57,923 
Adjusted basic earnings per common share (2)
0.09 1.25 1.36 
Adjusted diluted earnings per common share (2)
0.09 1.24 1.36 
Adjusted net income / Average total assets (ROA) (2)
0.05 %0.67 %0.69 %
Adjusted net income / Average stockholders' equity (ROE) (2)
0.44 %6.66 %7.95 %
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages and per share data)202320222021
Net income attributable to the Company$32,490 $63,310 $112,921 
Basic earnings per common share0.97 1.87 3.04 
Diluted earnings per common share (1)
0.96 1.85 3.01 
Average total assets$9,452,221 $8,187,688 $7,533,016 
Average stockholders' equity740,630 749,549 795,841 
Net income attributable to the Company/ Average total assets (ROA)0.34 %0.77 %1.50 %
Net income attributable to the Company / Average stockholders' equity (ROE)4.39 %8.45 %14.19 %
Average stockholders' equity / Average total assets ratio7.84 %9.15 %10.56 %
__________________
(1)As of December 31, 20202023, 2022 and 2019,2021, potential dilutive instruments consisted of unvested shares of restricted stock, and restricted stock units mainly relatedand performance stock units. See Note 14 to the Company’s IPOour audited consolidated financial statements in 2018, totaling 248,750 and 530,620, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, potential dilutive instruments were not included inthis Form 10-K for details on the dilutive effects of the issuance of restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance share units on earnings per share computation because the Company reported a net lossin 2023, 2022 and their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect. As of December 31, 2019, potential dilutive instruments were included in the diluted earnings per share computation because, when the unamortized deferred compensation cost related to these shares was divided by the average market price per share at those dates, fewer shares would have been purchased than restricted shares assumed issued. Therefore, at that date, such awards resulted in higher diluted weighted averages shares outstanding than basic weighted average shares outstanding, and had a dilutive effect in per share earnings. We had no outstanding dilutive instruments as of any period prior to December 2018.
(2)See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation” for an explanation of certain non-GAAP measures.2021.

In 2020, basic and diluted loss per share is the result of the net loss recorded during the period. In 2019,2023, basic and diluted earnings per share increaseddecreased compared to 2022, primarily as a result of higherlower net income earned induring the period.

Capital Resources and Liquidity Management

Capital Resources

Stockholders’ equity is influenced primarily by earnings, dividends, if any, and changes in AOCIAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income or AOCLLoss (“AOCI” or “AOCL”) caused primarily by fluctuations in unrealized holding gains or losses, net of taxes, on debt securities available for sale and derivative instruments. AOCI or AOCL are not included for purposes of determining our capital for holding and bank regulatory purposes.

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2020 compared to 2019
Stockholders’ equity decreased by $51.3 million, or 6.1%, to $783.4was $736.1 million as of December 31, 2020,2023, an increase of $30.3 million, or 4.3%, compared to $834.7$705.7 million as of December 31, 20192022 . This increase was primarily due to:driven by: (i) an aggregatenet income of $69.4$32.5 million in connection with2023; (ii) after-tax net unrealized holding gains of $9.4 million from the repurchases of Class B Common Stock completedchange in the first and fourth quarters of 2020, and (ii) $1.7 million of net loss in 2020. This was partially offset by a $18.4 million increase in AOCI resulting primarily from a higher valuationmarket value of debt securities available for sale, comparedand (iii) a net aggregate of $6.8 million in connection with stock-based incentive compensation programs. These increases were partially offset by: (i) $12.1 million of dividends declared and paid by the Company in 2023; and (ii) an aggregate of $4.9 million of Class A common stock repurchased in the first nine months of 2023, under a stock repurchase program launched in the first quarter of 2023. See more details on the stock repurchase program launched in the first quarter of 2023 further below.
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Non-controlling Interest
The Company records net loss attributable to Non-controlling interests in its condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) equal to the percentage of the economic or ownership interest retained in the interest of Amerant Mortgage, and presents non-controlling interests as a component of stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company increased its ownership interest in Amerant Mortgage to 100% as of December 31, 2019, and $2.32023 from 80% at December 31, 2022. This transaction had no material impact to the Company’s results of operations in 2023. In connection with the change in ownership interest, which brought the non-controlling interest share to zero, the Company derecognized the equity attributable to noncontrolling interest of $3.8 million (a net loss) as of stock-based compensation expense recorded in 2020.
2019 comparedDecember 31, 2023, with a corresponding reduction to 2018
Stockholders’ equity increased $87.3 million, or 11.7%,additional paid-in capital at that date. Equity attributable to $834.7the non-controlling interest was a net loss of $2.1 million as of December 31, 2019, as compared to December 31, 2018 primarily due to: (i) $51.3 million of2022. In 2023 and 2022, net income in 2019, (ii) a $30.5 million increase in AOCI/AOCL resulting primarily from a higher valuation of securities available for sale compared to December 31, 2018, and (iii) the Company’s amortization of stock-based compensation of its 2018 restricted stock award relatedloss attributable to the IPO. The higher valuation of securities available for sale during 2019non-controlling interest was the primary driver of the Company’s deferred tax assets declining approximately $10.8$1.7 million or 66.4%, to $5.5and $1.3 million, as of December 31, 2019, as the unrealized gains and losses included in AOCI are reported in stockholders’ equity on an after-tax basis.
Initial Public Offeringrespectively.

Common Stock Transactions
Clean-Up Merger. On December 21, 2018,November 17, 2021, the Company closedentered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), between the IPOCompany and its newly-created, wholly-owned subsidiary, Amerant Merger SPV Inc. (“Merger Sub”), pursuant to which the Merger Sub would merge with and into the Company (the “Clean-up Merger”), and on November 17, 2021, the Company filed articles of 6,300,000 sharesmerger (the “Articles of itsMerger”) with the Florida Secretary of State. In connection with the Clean-up Merger, Merger Sub merged with and into the Company as of 12:01 a.m. on November 18, 2021 (the “Effective Time of the Clean-up Merger”). The Clean-up Merger had been previously approved by the Company’s shareholders on November 15, 2021. Under the terms of the Clean-up Merger, each outstanding share of Class B common stock was converted to 0.95 of a share of Class A common stock at a public offering pricewithout any action on the part of $13.00 per share. Of the 6,300,000holders of Class B common stock; however, any shareholder, together with its affiliates, who owned more than 8.9% of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock sold ina result of the IPO, the Company sold 1,377,523Clean-up Merger, such holder’s shares of Class A common stock andor Class B common stock, as the Former Parent soldcase may have been, was converted into shares of a new class of Non-Voting Class A common stock, solely with respect to holdings that were in excess of the 8.9% limitation. The terms of the Clean-up Merger included the creation of a new class of Non-Voting Class A common stock.

In addition, all shareholders who held fractional shares as a result of its 4,922,477the Clean-up Merger received a cash payment in lieu of such fractional shares. Following the Clean-up Merger, any holder who beneficially owned fewer than 100 shares of Class A common stock received cash in lieu of Class A common stock. In addition,November 2021, the Company granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 945,000repurchased 281,725 shares of Class A common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, to cover over-allotments. The net proceeds to us from the sale of shares of our Class A common stock in the IPO in December 2018 were approximately $17.9 million. We received no proceeds from the sale of shares of our Class A common stock in the IPO by the Former Parent.
Class A Common Stock Transactions

On January 23, 2019, followingthat were cashed out in accordance with the IPO, the underwriters partially exercised their over-allotment option by purchasing 229,019 sharesterms of the Company’s Class A common stockClean-up Merger. These shares were repurchased at the public offeringa price of $13.00 per share of Class A common stock. The net proceeds to us from this transaction were$30.10 and an aggregate purchase of approximately $3.0$8.5 million.

Private Placements. On February 1, 2019From and February 28, 2019,after the Effective Time of the Clean-up Merger, the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub ceased and the Company issued and sold 153,846continued as the surviving corporation. In connection with the Clean-up Merger, the number of shares and 1,750,000 shares of its Class A common stock, respectively, in private placements exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2)that the Company is authorized to issue decreased by 250,000,000. As a result of the Securities Act and SEC Rule 506 (the “Private Placements”). The net proceeds fromClean-up Merger, the Company private placements totaled approximately $26.7 million. The Company used the net proceeds from the Private Placements to fund the Final Class B Repurchase fromCommon Stock is no longer authorized or outstanding, and November 17, 2021 was the Former Parentlast day it traded on March 7, 2019.the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

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Class B
Common Stock Repurchases and cancellation of Treasury Shares.

On March 7, 2019, following the IPO,December 19, 2022, the Company completedannounced that the Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may purchase, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $25 million of its shares of Class A common stock (the “2023 Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program”). The 2023 Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program was set to expire on December 31, 2023 and on December 15, 2023, the Company announced that the Board approved to extend the expiration date to December 31, 2024. In 2023, we repurchased an aggregate of 259,853 shares of Class A common stock at a weighted average price of $18.98 per share, under the 2023 Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program. The aggregate purchase price for these transactions was approximately$4.9 million, including transaction costs. At December 2023, the Company had $20 million available for repurchase under this repurchase program.

On January 31, 2022, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may purchase, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $50 million of its shares of Class A common stock (the “New Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program”). In 2022, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 1,602,887 shares of Class A common stock at a weighted average price of $31.14 per share, under the New Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program. The aggregate purchase price for these transactions was approximately $49.9 million, including transaction costs. On May 19, 2022, the Company announced the completion of the New Common Stock Repurchase Program.

In November 2021, the Company repurchased 281,725 shares of Class A Common Stock that were cashed out in accordance with the terms of the Clean-up Merger. These shares were repurchased at a weighted average price per share of $30.10 and an aggregate purchase of approximately $8.5 million.

In September 2021, the remaining 2,112,321Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program which provided for the potential to repurchase up to $50 million of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (the “Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program”). In 2022 and 2021, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 652,118 shares and 893,394 shares, respectively, of Class A common stock at a weighted average price per share of $33.96 and $31.18, respectively, under the Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program. In 2022 and 2021, the aggregate purchase price for these transactions was approximately $22.1 million and $27.9 million, respectively, including transaction costs. On January 31, 2022, the Company announced the completion of the Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program.

On March 10, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program which provided for the potential repurchase of up to $40 million of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock from(the “Class B Common Stock Repurchase Program”). In 2021, the Former Parent for a weighted average purchase price of $13.48 per share of Class B common stock, representingCompany repurchased an aggregate purchase price of approximately $28.5 million at 97% of the sale price of Class A common stock (the “Final Class B Repurchase”). The repurchase price for the Class B common stock was based upon various factors, including the advice of the Company’s financial advisors. All 3,532,457565,232 shares of Class B common stock repurchased from the Former Parent are held as treasury stockat a weighted average price per share of $16.92, under the cost method as of December 31, 2019. Following this repurchase, the Former Parent no longer owns any Company Shares.

On February 14 and February 21, 2020, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 932,459 shares of its outstanding Class B Common Stock in two privately negotiated transactions for anRepurchase Program. The aggregate purchase price of $15.2for these transactions was approximately $9.6 million, including $0.3 milliontransaction costs. In September 2021, in broker fees and other expenses. These 932,459 sharesconnection with the Clean-up Merger, the Company’s Board of Directors terminated the Class B common stock were recorded as treasury stock under the cost method. The Company used available cash to fund these repurchases.Common Stock Repurchase Program.



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In March 2020,2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the cancellation of all 4,464,916 shares of Class A common stock and Class B Common Stockcommon stock previously held as treasury stock, including all shares repurchased during 2018, 2019in 2023, 2022 and 2020, effective March 31, 2020.
On December 23, 2020,2021. Therefore, the Company completed a modified “Dutch auction” tender offer to purchase, for cash, up to $50.0 million ofhad no shares of its Class B common stock. The tender offer was oversubscribed and, as result, we accepted to purchase 4,249,785 shares of Class B common stock held in treasury stock at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Dividends

Set forth below are the tender offer, which includes an additional 2%details of outstanding shares of Class B common stock as permitted under the tender offer rules. The 4,249,785 shares of Class B common stock were purchased at a price of $12.55 per share. The total purchase price for this transaction was $54.1 million, including $0.8 million in related feesdividends declared and expenses. Following the completion of the tender offer,paid by the Company cancelled all 4,249,785 shares of Class B common stock purchased infor the tender offer.periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and 2021, and subsequent to December 31, 2023:

Declaration DateRecord DatePayment DateDividend Per ShareDividend Amount
01/17/202402/14/202402/29/2024$0.09$3.0 million
10/18/202311/14/202311/30/2023$0.09$3.0 million
07/19/202308/15/202308/31/2023$0.09$3.0 million
04/19/202305/15/202305/31/2023$0.09$3.0 million
01/18/202302/13/202302/28/2023$0.09$3.0 million
07/20/202208/17/202208/31/2022$0.09$3.0 million
04/13/202205/13/202205/31/2022$0.09$3.0 million
01/19/202202/11/202202/28/2022$0.09$3.2 million
12/09/202112/22/202101/15/2022$0.06$2.2 million

Liquidity Management
Advances from the FHLB, other borrowings and borrowing capacity
At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, the Company had $1.1$0.6 billion and $1.2$0.9 billion, respectively, of outstanding advances from the FHLB and other borrowings. There were no other borrowings as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.FHLB. During the year ended December 31, 2020,2023, the Company repaid $0.9$2.2 billion of outstanding FHLB advances, and borrowed of $0.8$2.0 billion from this source.
The following table summarizes the composition of our FHLB advances and other borrowings by type of interest rate:
December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)20202019
Advances from the FHLB:
Fixed rate ranging from 0.62% to 2.42% (December 31, 2019 - 0.71% to 3.23%) (1)
$1,050,000 $1,085,000 
Floating rate based on 3-month LIBOR ranging from 1.84% to 2.03%— 150,000 
$1,050,000 $1,235,000 
__________________
(1)As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, includes $530 million (interest rate - from 0.62% to 0.97%) in advances from the FHLB that are callable prior to maturity.

At December 31, 2020,2023 and 2022 advances from the FHLB had maturities through 2030 (2029 at2028 and 2027, respectively. At December 31, 2019) with2023, advances from the FHLB had fixed interest rates ranging from 0.62%0.61% to 2.42%4.90% and, a weighted average rate of 1.18% (interest3.65% (fixed interest rates ranging from 0.71%0.61% to 3.23%2.45%, and a weighted average rate of 1.65%2.45% at December 31, 2019)2022).
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In early April 2020, the Company restructured $420.0 million of its fixed-rate FHLB advances maturing from 2021 to 2023 by extending their original maturities’ range from 2023 to 2029 at lower interest rates. The Company incurred a loss of $17.0 million as a result of the restructuring which was blended into the new interest rates of these advances, affecting the yields through their remaining maturities. The Company accounted for these transactions as the modification of existing debt in accordance with GAAP.
We also have available uncommitted federal funds credit lines with several banks, and had $70.0 million and $65.0 million of availability under these lines at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
We had $1.3 billion, $1.1$1.9 billion and $1.4$1.7 billion of additional borrowing capacity with the FHLB as of December 31, 2020, 20192023 and 2018,2022, respectively. This additional borrowing capacity is determined by the FHLB. We also maintain relationships in the capital markets with brokers and dealers to issue FDIC-insured interest-bearing deposits, including certificates of deposits. We also have available uncommitted federal funds credit lines with several banks. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had no outstanding obligations on uncommitted federal funds lines with banks.
There were no other borrowings as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.



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Subordinated Notes
On June 23, 2020,March 9, 2022, the Company completedentered into a $60.0 million offering of Senior NotesSubordinated Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with a coupon rate of 5.75% and maturing on June 30, 2025. The net proceeds, after direct issuance costs of $1.6 million, totaled $58.4 million. The Senior Notes are presented net of direct issuance costs in the consolidated financial statements. These costs are deferred and amortized over 5 years. The Senior Notes, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Amerant Florida providedBancorp Inc. (Amerant Florida Bancorp Inc. was merged with and into the Company withduring the three months ended September 30, 2022), and qualified institutional buyers pursuant to which the Company sold and issued $30.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due March 15, 2032. Net proceeds were $29.1 million, after estimated direct issuance costs of approximately $0.9 million. Unamortized direct issuance cost are deferred and amortized over the term of the Subordinated Notes of 10 years. These Subordinated Notes are unsecured, subordinated obligations of the Company and rank junior in right of payment to all of the Company’s current and future senior indebtedness. The Subordinated Notes have been structured to qualify as Tier 2 capital of the Company for regulatory capital purposes, and rank equally in right of payment to all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness. See Note 10 to audited consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K for more details.
Holding and Intermediate Holding Subsidiaries

We are a new source of funding as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
We and our subsidiary, Amerant Florida, are corporationscorporation separate and apart from the Bank and, therefore, must provide for our own liquidity. Historically, our main source of funding has been dividends declared and paid to us and Amerant Florida by the Bank, while the CompanyBank. In addition, we issued the Senior Notes in 2020. The Company, which is the issuer2020 and Subordinated notes in 2022. Also, as a result of the Senior Notes, held cash and cash equivalents of $43.0 million as of December 31, 2020 and $57.8 million as of December 31, 2019, in funds available to service its Senior Notes and for general corporate purposes, as a separate stand-alone entity. The Company used cash of $69.4 million to fund the repurchases of Class B common stock in 2020. Our subsidiary, Amerant Florida whichMerger, the Company is an intermediate bank holding company,now the obligor and guarantor on our junior subordinated debt and the guarantor of the Senior Notes and Subordinated Notes. The Company held cash and cash equivalents of $16.6$46.8 million as of December 31, 20202023 and $48.9$64.9 million as of December 31, 2019,2022, in funds available to service its Senior Notes, Subordinated Notes and junior subordinated debt and for general corporate purposes, as a separate stand-alone entity. See discussion below for more details on the Amerant Florida Merger.
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Amerant Florida Merger

On August 2, 2022, the Company completed an intercompany transaction of entities under common control, pursuant to which the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Amerant Florida Bancorp Inc. (“Amerant Florida”), merged with and into the Company, with the Company as sole survivor. In connection with the first quarter of 2020, we used $27.1 millionAmerant Florida Merger, the Company assumed all assets and liabilities of Amerant Florida’s cash to redeemFlorida, including its direct ownership of the outstanding trust preferredBank, the common capital securities issued by its Statutory Trust Ithe 5 trust subsidiaries, and the related junior subordinated debtdebentures issued by Amerant Florida. Florida and related agreements. The Amerant Florida Merger had no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations. See discussion further below in Note 11 to our audited consolidated financial statements on this section.Form 10-K, for additional information on the common capital securities issued by the 5 trust subsidiaries, and the junior subordinated debentures.

Based on our current outlook, we believe that net income, advances from the FHLB, available other borrowings and any dividends paid to us and Amerant Florida by the Bank will be sufficient to fund liquidity requirements for the next twelve months.Subsidiary Dividends

There are statutory and regulatory limitations that affect the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Company. These limitations exclude the effects of AOCI and AOCL.AOCI. Management believes that these limitations will not affect our ability, and Amerant Florida’sthe Company’s ability to meet ourits ongoing short-term cash obligations. See “Supervision and Regulation” in this Form 10-K.

In December 2023, the Boards of Directors of the Bank approved the payment of cash dividend of $20 million by the Bank to Amerant Bancorp.

In January, March and April 2022, the Boards of Directors of the Bank and Amerant Florida approved the payment of cash dividends of $40 million, $40 million and $34 million, respectively on each date, by the Bank to Amerant Florida and in the same amounts by Amerant Florida to Amerant Bancorp.

In July 2021, the Boards of Directors of the Bank and Amerant Florida approved the payment of cash dividends from the Bank and Amerant Florida to Amerant Bancorp, and declared dividend payments of: (i) $40.0 million from Amerant Florida to Amerant Bancorp, and (ii) $30.0 million from the Bank to Amerant Florida.


Based on our current outlook, we believe that net income, advances from the FHLB, available other borrowings and any dividends paid to us by the Bank will be sufficient to fund liquidity requirements for the next twelve months.

Regulatory Capital Requirements
We are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve and OCC. Failure to meet regulatory capital requirements may result in certain discretionary, and possible mandatory actions by regulators that, if taken, could have a direct material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation. Under the federal capital adequacy rules and the regulatory framework for “prompt corrective action”, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated for regulatory capital purposes. Our capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators, including anticipated capital needs. Supervisory assessments of capital adequacy may differ significantly from conclusions based solely upon the regulations’ risk-based capital ratios. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require us to maintain minimum CET1, Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based capital ratios.

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The Basel III rules became effective for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015 with full compliance with all of the requirements being phased in by January 1, 2019. The Company and the Bank opted to not include the AOCI in computing regulatory capital. As of December 31, 2023, management believes that the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject, and are well-capitalized. In addition, Basel III rules required the Company and the Bank to hold a minimum capital conservation buffer of 2.50%. The Company’s capital conservation buffer at year end 2023 and 2022 was 4.1% and 4.4%, respectively, and therefore no regulatory restrictions exist under the applicable capital rules on dividends or discretionary bonuses or other payments. See “Supervision and Regulation— Capital” for more information regarding regulatory capital.
Our Company’s consolidated regulatory capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:
ActualRequired for Capital Adequacy PurposesRegulatory Minimums To be Well Capitalized
(in thousands, except percentages)AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
December 31, 2023
Total capital ratio$979,777 12.12 %$646,481 8.00 %$808,101 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio851,787 10.54 %484,860 6.00 %646,481 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio851,787 8.84 %385,598 4.00 %481,998 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio790,959 9.79 %363,645 4.50 %525,266 6.50 %
December 31, 2022
Total capital ratio$947,505 12.39 %$611,733 8.00 %$764,666 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio833,078 10.89 %458,799 6.00 %611,733 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio833,078 9.18 %363,130 4.00 %453,913 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio772,105 10.10 %344,100 4.50 %497,033 6.50 %
December 31, 2021
Total capital ratio$934,512 14.56 %$513,394 8.00 %$641,742 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio862,962 13.45 %385,045 6.00 %513,394 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio862,962 11.52 %299,746 4.00 %374,683 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio801,907 12.50 %288,784 4.50 %417,133 6.50 %
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The Bank’s consolidated regulatory capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:
ActualRequired for Capital Adequacy PurposesRegulatory Minimums to be Well Capitalized
(in thousands, except percentages)AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
December 31, 2023
Total capital ratio$964,678 11.95 %$645,662 8.00 %$807,077 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio866,141 10.73 %484,246 6.00 %645,662 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio866,141 9.03 %383,864 4.00 %479,830 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio866,141 10.73 %363,185 4.50 %524,600 6.50 %
December 31, 2022
Total capital ratio$923,113 12.10 %$610,149 8.00 %$762,686 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio837,970 10.99 %457,612 6.00 %610,149 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio837,970 9.27 %361,655 4.00 %452,069 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio837,970 10.99 %343,209 4.50 %495,746 6.50 %
December 31, 2021
Total capital ratio$957,852 14.94 %$512,780 8.00 %$640,976 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio886,301 13.83 %384,585 6.00 %512,780 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio886,301 11.84 %299,466 4.00 %374,332 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio886,301 13.83 %288,439 4.50 %416,634 6.50 %

The Basel III Capital Rules revised the definition of capital and describe the capital components and eligibility criteria for CET1 capital, additional Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital. See “Item 1. Business “SupervisionSupervision and Regulation.”Regulation” for detailed information.
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company adopted CECL. The Company has not elected to apply an available three-year transition provision to its regulatory capital computations as a result of its adoption of CECL in 2022. See Note 1 to our audited annual consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K for details on the adoption of CECL.
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Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices
The consolidated financial statements and related consolidated financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and practices within the banking industry, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical Dollars without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.
Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. However, inflation also affects a financial institution by increasing its cost of goods and services purchased, as well as the cost of salaries and benefits, occupancy expense, and similar items. Inflation and related increases in interest rates generally decrease the market value of investments and loans held and may adversely affect liquidity, earnings, and shareholders’ equity. Loan originations and re-financings also tend to slow as interest rates increase, and higher interest rates may reduce a financial institution’s earnings from such origination activities. Similarly, lower inflation and rate decreases increase the fair value of securities and loan origination and refinancing tend to accelerate.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We may engage in a variety of financial transactions in the ordinary course of business that, under GAAP, may not be recorded on the balance sheet. Those transactions may include contractual commitments to extend credit in the ordinary course of our business activities to meet the financing needs of customers. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets. These commitments are legally binding agreements to lend money at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time and generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. We use the same credit and collateral policies in making these credit commitments as we do for on-balance sheet instruments.
We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis and obtain collateral, if necessary, based on our credit evaluation of the borrower. In addition to commitments to extend credit, we also issue standby letters of credit that are commitments to a third-party in specified amounts of payment or performance, if our customer fails to meet its contractual obligation to the third-party. The credit risk involved in the underwriting of letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending credit to customers.
The following table shows the outstanding balance of our off-balance sheet arrangements as of the end of the periods presented. Except as disclosed below, we are not involved in any other off-balance sheet contractual relationships that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, a change in our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Commitments to extend credit$1,305,816 $1,165,701 $899,016 
Letters of credit29,605 20,726 32,107 
$1,335,421 $1,186,427 $931,123 

Commitments to extend credit increased $140.1 million, or 12.0%, as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. This was mainly driven by an increase in commercial and industrial loan commitments.
The Company uses interest rate swaps and other derivative instruments as part of its normal business operations. See Footnote 12- Derivatives to our consolidated financial statements for details.
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Contractual Obligations
In the normal course of business, we and our subsidiaries enter into various contractual obligations that may require future cash payments. Significant commitments for future cash obligations include capital expenditures related to operating leases, certain binding agreements we have entered into for services including outsourcing of technology services, advertising and other services, and other borrowing arrangements which are not material to our liquidity needs. We currently anticipate that our available funds, credit facilities, and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our operational cash needs for the foreseeable future. Other than the changes discussed herein, there have been no material changes to the contractual obligations previously disclosed in the 2022 Form 10-K.
The table below summarizes, by remaining maturity, our significant contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2023. Amounts in this table reflect the minimum contractual obligation under legally enforceable contracts with terms that are both fixed and determinable. All other contractual cash obligations on this table are reflected in our consolidated balance sheet.
As of December 31, 2023 we had the following contractual cash obligations:
Payments Due Date
(in thousands)TotalLess than one yearOne to three yearsOver three to five yearsMore than five years
Operating lease obligations$263,500 $15,195 $31,235 $31,816 $185,254 
Time deposits2,297,097 1,494,035 684,476 117,203 1,383 
Borrowings:
FHLB advances645,000 40,000 10,000 595,000 — 
Senior notes60,000 — 60,000 — — 
Subordinated notes30,000 — — — 30,000 
Junior subordinated debentures64,178 — — — 64,178 
Contractual interest payments (1)
253,373 50,248 62,045 54,565 86,515 
$3,613,148 $1,599,478 $847,756 $798,584 $367,330 
__________________
(1)    Calculated assuming a constant interest rate as of December 31, 2023.
We believe that we will be able to meet our contractual obligations as they come due through the maintenance of adequate liquidity. We expect to maintain adequate liquidity through the results of operations, loan and securities repayments and maturities and continued deposit gathering activities. We also have various borrowing facilities at the Bank to satisfy both short-term and long-term liquidity needs.
In December 2021, the Company became a strategic lead investor in the JAM FINTOP Blockchain fund (the “Fund”). The Company is currently committed to making future contributions to the Fund for a total of $7.5 million at December 31, 2023.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances, results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Accounting policies, as described in detail in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, are an integral part of our financial statements. A thorough understanding of these accounting policies is essential when reviewing our reported results of operations and our financial position. We believe that the critical accounting policies and estimates discussed below require us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Changes in these estimates, that are likely to occur from period to period, or using different estimates that we could have reasonably used in the current period, would have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Securities. Securities generally must be classified as held to maturity, or HTM, debt securities available-for-sale, or AFS, trading or, equity securities with readily available fair values. Securities classified as HTM are securities we have both the ability and intent to hold until maturity and are carried at amortized cost, less any allowance for credit losses. Trading securities, if we had any, would be held primarily for sale in the near term to generate income. Debt securities that do not meet the definition of trading or HTM are classified as AFS.

The classification of investment securities is significant since it directly impacts the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on these securities. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities, if we had any, and equity securities with readily available fair values, would flow directly through earnings during the periods in which they arise. AFS securities are measured at fair value each reporting period. Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities are recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity (accumulated other comprehensive income or loss) and do not affect earnings until realized or deemed to be credit-impaired. Investment securities that are classified as HTM are recorded at amortized cost, and reduced by an estimated amount of expected credit loss during the life of the investment, if any.

For debt securities available for sale, the Company evaluates whether: (i) the fair value of the securities is less than the amortized costs basis; (ii) it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, and (iii) the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. The Company estimates credit losses on debt securities available for sale using a discounted cash flow model. The present value of an impaired debt security results from estimating future cash flows that are expected to be collected, discounted at the debt security’s effective interest rate. The Company develops its estimates about cash flows expected to be collected and determines whether a credit loss exists, generally using information about past events, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and other qualitative factors including the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost basis, adverse conditions specifically related to the security, industry or geographic area, changes in conditions of any collateral underlying the securities, changes in credit ratings, failure of the issuer to make scheduled payments, among other qualitative factors specific to the applicable security. If a credit loss exists, the Company records an allowance for the credit losses, limited to the amount by which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. The Company recognizes in AOCI/AOCL a decline in fair value over the carrying amount of AFS securities that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses.

Debt securities available for sale are charged off to the extent that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery of amortized cost basis. Debt securities available for sale are placed on non-accrual status if the Company does not reasonably expect to receive interest payments in the future and interest accrued is reversed against interest income. Securities are returned to accrual status only when collection of interest is reasonably assured.
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments. We are, under applicable accounting guidance, required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in measuring fair value. We classify fair value measurements of financial instruments based on the three-level fair value hierarchy in the guidance. We carry mortgage loans, AFS debt and other securities, BOLI policies and derivative assets and liabilities at fair value. From time to time, we also have loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value.

The fair values of assets and liabilities may include adjustments for various factors, such as market liquidity and credit quality, where appropriate. Valuations of products using models or other techniques are sensitive to assumptions used for the significant inputs. Where market data is available, the inputs used for valuation reflect that information as of our valuation date. Inputs to valuation models are considered unobservable if they are supported by little or no market activity. In periods of extreme volatility, lessened liquidity or in illiquid markets, there may be more variability in market pricing or a lack of market data to use in the valuation process. In keeping with the prudent application of estimates and management judgment in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities, we have in place various processes and controls including validation controls, for which we utilize both broker and pricing service inputs. Data from these services may include both market-observable and internally-modeled values and/or valuation inputs. Our reliance on this information is affected by our understanding of how the broker and/or pricing service develops its data with a higher degree of reliance applied to those that are more directly observable and lesser reliance applied to those developed through their own internal modeling. Similarly, broker quotes that are executable are given a higher level of reliance than indicative broker quotes, which are not executable. These processes and controls are performed independently of the business. For additional information, see Note 18 of our audited consolidated financial statements.

Allowance for Credit Losses

In 2022, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 326 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326), which replaced the incurred loss methodology for estimated probable loan losses with an expected credit loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. The Company adopted the CECL guidance as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption, January 1, 2022, using a modified retrospective approach for all its financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures.
Under the CECL accounting guidance, the Allowance for Credit Losses, or ACL, is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of financial assets, including loans held for investments and debt securities held to maturity, to present the net amount that is expected to be collected throughout the life of those financial assets. The estimated ACL is recorded through a provision for credit losses charged against income. Management periodically evaluates the adequacy of the ACL to maintain it at a level it believes to be reasonable. The Company uses the same methods used to determine the ACL to assess any reserves needed for off-balance sheet credit risks such as unfunded loan commitments and contingent obligations on letters of credit. These reserves for off-balance sheet credit risks are presented in the liabilities section in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company develops and documents its methodology to determine the ACL at the portfolio segment level.The Company determines its loan portfolio segments based on the type of loans it carries and their associated risk characteristics. The measurement of expected credit losses considers information about historical events, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and other relevant information. Determining the amount of the ACL is complex and requires extensive judgment by management about matters that are inherently uncertain. Re-evaluation of the ACL estimate in future periods, in light of changes in composition and characteristics of the loan portfolio, changes in the reasonable and supportable forecast and other factors then prevailing may result in material changes in the amount of the ACL and credit loss expense in those future periods.

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Expected credit losses are estimated on a collective basis for groups of loans that share similar risk characteristics. Factors that may be considered in aggregating loans for this purpose include but are not necessarily limited to, product or collateral type, industry, geography, internal risk rating, credit characteristics such as credit scores or collateral values, and historical or expected credit loss patterns. For loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans such as collateral dependent loans and modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, expected credit losses are estimated on an individual basis.
Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual terms of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments. Expected prepayments for commercial and commercial real estate loans are generally estimated based on the Company's historical experience. For residential loans, expected prepayments are estimated using a model that incorporates industry prepayment data, calibrated to reflect the Company's experience. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications unless either of the following applies: management has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date a modification related to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty will be executed, or the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company.
With respect to modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, a change to the ACL is generally not recorded upon modification since the effect of these modifications is already included in the ACL given the measurement methodologies used to estimate the ACL. From time to time, the Company modifies loans by providing principal forgiveness on certain of its real estate loans. When principal forgiveness is provided, the amortized cost basis of the asset is written off against the ACL. The amount of the principal forgiveness is deemed to be uncollectible; therefore, that portion of the loan is written off, resulting in a reduction of the amortized cost basis and a corresponding adjustment to the ACL.
For the largest portfolio segments, including commercial and commercial real estate loans, expected credit losses are estimated using probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) bottom-up approach, which derives the expected losses from borrower's and market or industry specific risk characteristics. For smaller-balance homogeneous loans with similar risk characteristics, including residential, consumer and small business loans, the models estimate lifetime loan losses based on the portfolio’s historical behavior. In order to incorporate forward-looking expectations, the ACL for these portfolios is adjusted based on macroeconomic factors proven to have effects on the performance of the credit quality of each respective portfolio. The models incorporate a probability-weighted blend of macroeconomic scenarios by ingesting numerous national, regional and metropolitan statistical area (“MSA”) level variables and data points. Some of the more impactful include both current and forecasted unemployment rates, home price index, CRE property forecasts, stock market and market volatility indices, real gross domestic product growth, and a variety of interest rates and spreads. The macroeconomic forecast process is complex and varies from period to period and therefore may results in increased volatility in the ACL and earnings.

All loss estimates are conditioned as applicable on changes in current conditions and the reasonable and supportable economic forecast. Additionally, the Company makes qualitative adjustments to the ACL when, based on management’s judgment, there are factors impacting expected credit losses not taken into account by the quantitative calculations. Potential qualitative adjustments include economic factors, including material trends and developments that, in management's judgment, may not have been considered in the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, credit policy and staffing, including the nature and level of policy and procedural exceptions or changes in credit policy not reflected in quantitative results, changes in the quality of underwriting and portfolio management and staff and issues identified by credit review, internal audit or regulators that may not be reflected in quantitative results, concentrations, considering whether the quantitative estimate adequately accounts for concentration risk in the portfolio, model imprecision and model validation findings; and other factors not adequately considered in the quantitative estimate or other qualitative categories identified by management that may materially impact the amount of expected credit losses.

The Company expects to collect the amortized cost basis of government insured residential loans due to the nature of the government guarantee and, therefore generally have no expected credit losses.

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Expected credit losses on loans to borrowers that are domiciled in foreign countries, primarily loans in the Consumer and Financial Institutions portfolios are generally estimated by assessing the any available cash or other types of collateral, and the probability of losses arising from the Company’s exposure to those collateral assets. Loans in this portfolio are generally fully collateralized with cash, securities and other assets and, therefore, generally have no expected credit losses.

Commercial real estate, commercial and financial institution loans are charged off against the ACL when they are considered uncollectable. These loans are considered uncollectable when a loss becomes evident to management, which generally occurs when the following conditions are present, among others: (1) a loan or portions of a loan are classified as “loss” in accordance with the internal risk grading system; (2) a collection attorney has provided a written statement indicating that a loan or portions of a loan are considered uncollectible; and (3) the carrying value of a collateral-dependent loan exceeds the appraised value of the asset held as collateral. Consumer and other retail loans are charged off against the ACL at the earlier of (1) when management becomes aware that a loss has occurred, or (2) beginning effective as of December 31, 2022, when closed-end retail loans become past due 90 days (120 previously) or open-end retail loans become past due 180 days from the contractual due date. For open and closed-end retail loans secured by residential real estate, any outstanding loan balance in excess of the fair value of the property, less cost to sell, is charged off no later than when the loan is 180 days past due from the contractual due date. Consumer and other retail loans may not be charged off when management can clearly document that a past due loan is well secured and in the process of collection such that collection will occur regardless of delinquency status in accordance with regulatory guidelines applicable to these types of loans.

Recoveries on loans represent collections received on amounts that were previously charged off against the ACL. Recoveries are credited to the ACL when received, to the extent of the amount previously charged off against the ACL on the related loan. Any amounts collected in excess of this limit are first recognized as interest income, then as a reduction of collection costs, and then as other income.

Goodwill. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is likely an impairment has occurred. We have applied significant judgment for annual goodwill impairment testing purposes. The Company recorded goodwill impairment of $1.3 million in 2023 as a result of this evaluation. Future negative changes may result in potential impairments in future periods.

Determining the fair value of the reporting unit to which goodwill is allocated to (the Company as a whole since we report using a single-segment concept) is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant management judgment and the use of subjective measurements. Variability in the market and changes in assumptions or subjective measurements used to determine fair value are reasonably possible and may have a material impact on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

Deferred Income Taxes. We use the balance sheet method of accounting for income taxes as prescribed by GAAP. Under this method, DTAs and deferred tax liabilities, or DTLs, are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the DTAs a valuation allowance is established. DTAs and DTLs are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Accounting for deferred income taxes is a critical accounting estimate because we exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities. Management’s determination of the realization of DTAs is based upon management’s judgment of various future events and uncertainties, including the timing and amount of future income, reversing temporary differences which may offset, and the implementation of various tax plans to maximize realization of the DTAs. These judgments and estimates are inherently subjective and reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record a valuation allowance against our DTAs. A DTA valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in such period, which would negatively affect earnings. Conversely, the reversal of a valuation allowance previously recorded against a DTA would result in lower tax expense.

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. We have evaluated new accounting pronouncements that have recently been issued and have determined that certain of these new accounting pronouncements should be described in this section because, upon their adoption, there could be a significant impact to our operations, financial condition or liquidity in future periods. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company adopted new accounting guidance on current expected credit losses, or CECL with retroactive application as of January 1, 2022, the beginning of the adoption period. Please refer to Note 1 of our audited consolidated financial statements in this Form-10K for a detailed discussion of CECL and other recently issued accounting pronouncements that have been adopted by us that will require enhanced disclosures in our financial statements in future periods.
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Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We believe interest rate and price risks are the most significant market risks impacting us. We monitor and evaluate these risks using sensitivity analyses to measure the effects of changes in market interest rates on earnings, equity and the available for sale portfolio mark-to-market exposure. Exposures are managed to a set of limits previously approved by our Board of Directors and monitored by management.

Our market risk is jointly monitored by the Treasury unit, which reports to our Chief Financial Officer, and the Market Risk and Analytics unit, which reports to our Chief Risk Officer. Their primary responsibilities are identifying, measuring, monitoring and controlling interest rate and liquidity risks and balance sheet asset/liability management, or ALM. It also assesses and monitors the price risk of the Bank’s investment activities, which represents the risk to earnings and capital arising from changes in the fair market value of our investment portfolio.
Among its duties, the Treasury and Market Risk and Analytics units performs the following functions:
maintains a comprehensive market risk and ALM framework;
measures and monitors market risk and ALM across the organization to ensure that they are within approved risk limits and reports to ALCO and to the Board of Directors; and
recommends changes to risk limits to the Board of Directors.
We manage and implement our ALM strategies through monthly ALCO meetings. In the ALCO, we discuss, analyze, and decide on the best course of action to implement strategies designed as part of the ALM process.
Market risks taken by the Company are managed using an appropriate mix of marketable securities, wholesale funding and derivative contracts.

Market Risk Measurement
ALM
We use sensitivity analyses as the primary tool to monitor and evaluate market risk, which is comprised of interest rate risk and price risk. Exposures are managed to a set of limits previously approved by our Board of Directors and monitored by ALCO.
Sensitivity analyses are based on changes in interest rates (both parallel yield curve changes as well as non-parallel), and are performed for several different metrics. They include three types of analyses consistent with industry practices:
earnings sensitivity;
economic value of equity, or EVE; and
investment portfolio mark-to-market exposure (debt and equity securities available for sale and held to maturity securities).

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The Company continues to be asset sensitive, therefore income is expected to increase when interest rates move higher, and to decrease when interest rates move lower.
The high duration of our balance sheet has led to more sensitivity in the market values of financial instruments (assets and liabilities, including off balance sheet exposures). This sensitivity is captured in the EVE and investment portfolio mark-to-market exposure analyses. In the earnings sensitivity analysis, the opposite occurs. The higher duration will produce higher income today and less income variability during the next 12 months.
We monitor these exposures, and contrast them against limits established by our Board of Directors. Those limits correspond to the capital levels and the capital leverage ratio that we would report taking into consideration the interest rate increase scenarios modeled. Although we model the market price risk of the available for sale securities portfolio, and its projected effects on AOCI or AOCL (a component of stockholders’ equity), the Bank and the Company made an irrevocable election in 2015 to exclude the effects of AOCI or AOCL in the calculation of its regulatory capital ratios, in connection with the adoption of Basel III Capital Rules in the U.S.
Earnings Sensitivity
In this method, the financial instruments (assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet positions) generate interest rate risk exposure from mismatches in maturity and/or repricing given the financial instruments’ characteristics or cash flow behaviors such as pre-payment speeds. This method measures the potential change in our net interest income over the next 12 months, which corresponds to our short term interest rate risk. This analysis subjects a static balance sheet to instantaneous and parallel interest rate shocks to the yield curves for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income. We compare on a monthly basis the effect of the analysis on our net interest income over a one-year period against limits established by our Board of Directors.

The following table shows the sensitivity of our net interest income as a function of modeled interest rate changes:
Change in earnings (1)
December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)20232022
Change in Interest Rates (Basis points)
Increase of 200$20,487 6.1 %$27,580 7.9 %
Increase of 10015,618 4.7 %18,320 5.3 %
Decrease of 50
(3,923)(1.2)%(5,683)(1.6)%
Decrease of 100(10,273)(3.1)%(11,548)(3.3)%
Decrease of 200(21,290)(6.3)%(34,279)(9.8)%
__________________
(1) Represents the change in net interest income, and the percentage that change represents of the base scenario net interest income. The base scenario assumes (i) flat interest rates over the next 12 months, (ii) that total financial instrument balances are kept constant over time and (iii) that interest rate shocks are instant and parallel to the yield curve, for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income.

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Net interest income in the base scenario, decreased to approximately $336.0 million in December 31, 2023 compared to $349.0 million in December 31, 2022. This decrease is mainly due to: higher cost of total deposits and borrowings. These decreases were partially offset by: (i) higher floating loan rates on existing loans due to increase in market rates repricing higher throughout 2023 and (ii) the growth in the size of the balance sheet as total assets increased $588.5 million or 6.4% in 2023 compared to 2022.

The Company periodically reviews the scenarios used for earnings sensitivity to reflect market conditions.

Economic Value of Equity Analysis

We use economic value of equity, or EVE, to measure the potential change in the fair value of the Company’s asset and liability positions, and the subsequent potential effects on our economic capital. In the EVE analysis, we calculate the fair value of all assets and liabilities, including off-balance sheet instruments, based on different rate environments (i.e. fair value at current rates against the fair value based on parallel shifts of the yield curves for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income). This analysis measures the long term interest rate risk of the balance sheet.

The following table shows the sensitivity of our EVE as a function of interest rate changes as of the periods presented:
Change in equity (1)
December 31,
20232022
Change in Interest Rates (Basis points)
Increase of 200(4.66)%(7.97)%
Increase of 100(0.38)%(3.06)%
Decrease of 503.61 %3.08 %
Decrease of 1001.83 %4.11 %
Decrease of 2002.73 %4.95 %
__________________
(1) Represents the percentage of equity change in a static balance sheet analysis assuming interest rate shocks are instant and parallel to the yield curves for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income.


The improvements in the sensitivity of EVE from changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2023 for the 200 and 100 basis point increase buckets are principally attributed to the balance sheet becoming more asset sensitive compared to December 31, 2022. During the periods reported, the modeled effects on the EVE remained within established Company risk limits.


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Available for Sale Portfolio mark-to-market exposure

The Company measures the potential change in the market price of its investment portfolio, and the resulting potential change on its equity for different interest rate scenarios. This table shows the result of this test as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Change in market value (1)
December 31,
(in thousands)20232022
Change in Interest Rates (Basis points)
Increase of 200$(112,010)$(116,288)
Increase of 100(54,182)(59,755)
Decrease of 5034,956 30,527 
Decrease of 10055,312 60,578 
Decrease of 200112,809 115,225 
__________________
(1) Represents the amounts by which the investment portfolio mark-to-market would change assuming rate shocks that are instant and parallel to the yield curves for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income.


The average duration of our investment portfolio slightly increased to 5.0 years at December 31, 2023 compared to 4.9 years at December 31, 2022. The slight increase in duration was mainly due to lower mortgage-backed securities prepayments. Additionally, the floating rate portfolio slightly increased to 13.3% at December 31, 2023 from 13.2% at December 31, 2022.

We monitor our interest rate exposures monthly through the ALCO, and seek to manage these exposures within limits established by our Board of Directors. Those limits correspond to the capital ratios that we would report taking into consideration the interest increase scenarios modeled. Notwithstanding that our model includes the available for sale securities portfolio, and its projected effect on AOCI or AOCL (a component of shareholders’ equity), we made an irrevocable election in 2015 to exclude the effects of AOCI or AOCL in the calculation of our regulatory capital ratios, in connection with the adoption of Basel III capital rules in the U.S.

Limits Approval Process
The ALCO is responsible for the management of market risk exposures and meets monthly. The ALCO monitors all the Company’s exposures, compares them against specific limits, and takes actions to modify any exposure that the ALCO considers inappropriate based on market expectations or new business strategies, among other factors. The ALCO reviews and recommends market risk limits to our Board of Directors. These limits are reviewed annually or more frequently as believed appropriate, based on various factors, including capital levels and earnings.

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The following table sets forth information regarding our interest rate sensitivity due to the maturities of our interest bearing assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023. This information may not be indicative of our interest rate sensitivity position at other points in time.

December 31, 2023
(in thousands except percentages)TotalLess than one yearOne to three yearsFour to Five YearsMore than five yearsNon-rate
Earning Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$321,872 $246,883 $— $— $— $74,989 
Securities:
Debt available for sale1,217,502 268,654 319,225 170,532 459,091 — 
Debt held to maturity226,645 — — — 226,645 — 
Marketable equity securities2,534 2,534 — — — — 
Federal Reserve and FHLB stock50,294 37,014 — — — 13,280 
Loans held for sale391,419 391,419 — — — — 
Loans held for investment - performing (1)
6,839,093 4,234,340 1,209,433 636,291 759,028 — 
Earning Assets$9,049,359 $5,180,845 $1,528,658 $806,823 $1,444,764 $88,269 
Liabilities
Interest bearing demand deposits2,560,629 2,560,629 — — — — 
Saving and money market1,610,218 1,610,218 — — — — 
Time deposits2,297,097 1,509,891 671,752 114,543 912 — 
FHLB advances (2)
645,000 635,000 10,000 — — — 
Senior Notes59,526 — 59,526 — — — 
Subordinated Notes29,454 — — — 29,454 — 
Junior subordinated debentures64,178 64,178 — — — — 
Interest bearing liabilities$7,266,102 $6,379,916 $741,278 $114,543 $30,366 $— 
Interest rate sensitivity gap(1,199,071)787,380 692,280 1,414,398 88,269 
Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap(1,199,071)(411,691)280,589 1,694,987 1,783,256 
Earnings assets to interest bearing liabilities (%)81.2 %206.2 %704.4 %4,757.8 %N/M

__________________
(1)     “Loans held for investment - performing” excludes $34.4 million of non-performing loans (non-accrual loans and loans 90 days or more past-due and still accruing).
(2) Includes FHLB advances in the amount of $595.0 million set to mature in 2027 or later, which come with quarterly callable features.
N/M    Not meaningful.

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Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Financial Statements Information
The financial statements information required by this item is contained under the section titled “Index to Financial Statements” (and the financial statements and related notes referenced therein) included in Item 15.1 Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The CEO and the CFO, with assistance from other members of management, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023 and, based on their evaluation, have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Other than the changes in connection with our implementation of the remediation plan to remediate the material weakness identified by management described under “Remediation of Material Weakness” below and the changes described below in connection with the completed transition of our core data processing platform and other applications in the fourth quarter of 2023, there were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act, that occurred during the period covered by this Form 10-K that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

On November 4, 2021, we announced a new multi-year outsourcing agreement with Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) which includes the transition of our core data processing platform and other applications to FIS. This transition to FIS was completed on November 6, 2023. Upon completion of the transition, we updated our internal controls to include business cycle review controls, controls over data migration to the new core system, and controls over reliability of balances and transactional activity as of and in the post-conversion period ended December 31, 2023.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the preparations of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In designing and evaluating disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in SEC Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

140


The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention, or timely detection and correction of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As disclosed in Part II 9A Controls and Procedures in our Annal Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s management identified a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting associated with the estimation of the allowance for credit losses, errors related to the computational accuracy of the model used for purchased consumer and land loans, the loan to value and prepayment assumption inputs and the qualitative factor adjustments.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company implemented a remediation plan to address the aforementioned material weakness that included the design, documentation, and implementation of enhanced controls over the computational accuracy of the model used for purchased consumer and land loans, the loan to value and prepayment assumption inputs and the qualitative factor adjustments. During the fourth quarter of 2023, we completed testing of these enhancements to our internal controls for operating effectiveness and found them to be effective. As of December 31, 2023, the aforementioned material weakness was considered to be remediated and did not lead to any adjustments to previously reported or current financial information.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, has been audited by RSM US LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their accompanying report which is included in Item 15.1 Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.



Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Securities Trading Plans of Directors and Executive Officers

During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, none of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K).    

Item 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
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PART III

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Certain information relating to the Executive Officers of the Company appears in Part I of this Form 10-K under the heading “Information about our Executive Officers” and is incorporated by reference in this section.
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “Proxy Statement”) under the captions “Directors and Nominees,” “Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.
We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics applicable to all officers, directors and employees. In addition, our Code of Conduct and Ethics contains additional provisions that are applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and other principal financial and accounting officers. The Code of Conduct and Ethics is available under the “Documents & Charters” link under the “Corporate Governance” dropdown menu in the “Investor Relations” tab on our website at https://www.amerantbank.com. In the event that we amend or waive any of the provisions of the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Senior Officers that relate to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K, we intend to disclose such amendment or waiver at the same location on our website.

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the caption “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion & Analysis,” “Compensation and Human Capital Committee Report,” “Director Compensation,” and “Compensation and Human Capital Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the captions “Corporate Governance,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the caption “Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.
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PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBIT and FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) List of documents filed as part of this report
1) Financial Statements and 2) Financial Statements Schedules:
The financial statements information required by this item is contained under the section entitled “Consolidated Financial Statements” (and the financial statements and related notes referenced therein) included beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.

3) List of Exhibits
The exhibit list in the Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference as the list of exhibits required as part of this report.

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
2.1
2.2
3.1
3.3
4.1Declaration of Trust, made as of December 6, 2002, by and between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.2Indenture, dated as of December 19, 2002, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.3Guarantee Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2002, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.4Declaration of Trust, made as of March 26, 2003, by and between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.5Indenture, dated as of April 10, 2003, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.6Guarantee Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2003, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.7Declaration of Trust, made as of March 17, 2004, by and between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.8Indenture, dated as of March 31, 2004, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.9Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2004, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.10Declaration of Trust, made on September 8, 2006, by and among Commercebank Holding Corporation, Wilmington Trust Company, Alberto Peraza and Ricardo Alvarez *
4.11Indenture, dated as of September 21, 2006, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
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Exhibit
Number
Description
4.12Guarantee Agreement, dated as of September 21, 2006, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.13Declaration of Trust, made on November 28, 2006, by and among Commercebank Holding Corporation, Wilmington Trust Company, Alberto Peraza and Ricardo Alvarez *
4.14Indenture, dated as of December 14, 2006, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.15Guarantee Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2006, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.16

4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
10.1
10.2
10.3

10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
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Exhibit
Number
Description
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
97.1
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data (embedded within the XBRL documents)
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* The Company hereby agrees pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K to furnish a copy of this instrument to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
** Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or agreement.
*** Furnished hereby.

Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AMERANT BANCORP INC.
March 7, 2024By:/s/ Gerald P. Plush
DateName:Gerald P. Plush
Title:Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Gerald P. Plush Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 7, 2024
Gerald P. Plush
/s/ Sharymar Calderon
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
March 7, 2024
Sharymar Calderon
/s/ Armando D. Fleitas
Executive Vice-President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
March 7, 2024
Armando D. Fleitas
/s/ Erin KnightDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Erin Knight
/s/ Miguel A. Capriles L.DirectorMarch 7, 2024
Miguel A. Capriles L.
/s/ Pamella J. DanaLead Independent DirectorMarch 7, 2024
Pamella J. Dana
/s/ Samantha HolroydDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Samantha Holroyd
/s/ Gustavo Marturet M.DirectorMarch 7, 2024
Gustavo Marturet M.
/s/ John QuelchDirectorMarch 7, 2024
John Quelch
/s/ John W. QuillDirectorMarch 7, 2024
John W. Quill
/s/ Ashaki RuckerDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Ashaki Rucker
/s/ Oscar SuarezDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Oscar Suarez
/s/ Millar WilsonDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Millar Wilson

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Item 15.1 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
AMERANT BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX
Page
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Amerant Bancorp Inc.


Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Amerant Bancorp Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated March 7, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
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Allowance for Credit Losses – Loans Held for Investment
As described in Note 1 and 5 to the financial statements, the Company’s allowance for credit losses for loans held for investment (allowance or allowance for credit losses) totaled $95.5 million as of December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses is an estimate of life-of-loan losses for the Company’s loans held for investment. The allowance is a valuation account that is deducted from the carrying amount of loans held for investment.

The allowance consists of two components: an asset-specific component for estimating credit losses for individual loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans; and a pooled component for estimating credit losses for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics. The allowance for the pooled component is derived from an estimate of expected credit losses primarily using an expected loss methodology that incorporates risk parameters such as probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) which are derived from various vendor models and/or internally developed model estimation approaches for smaller homogenous loans.

PD is projected in these models or estimation approaches using economic scenarios, whose outcomes are weighted based on the Company’s economic outlook and were developed to incorporate relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For commercial loans held for investment above $3 million, LGD is typically derived from the Company’s own loss experience based on specific risk characteristics. For commercial real estate loans held for investment, the loss given default is derived from vendor models using property and loan risk characteristics.

For smaller-balance homogeneous pooled loans with similar risk characteristics such as collateral type and loan purpose (e.g., residential, small business lending under $3 million, consumer and land loans), other modeling techniques are used. These include modeling that relies upon observable inputs such as historical or average loss rates by year of loan origination (i.e., vintage) and prepayment considerations for future expected contractual loan outstanding balances.

For the smaller-balance homogenous pooled loan segments, the quantitative estimates of expected credit losses are then adjusted to incorporate considerations of current trends and conditions that are not captured in the quantitative credit loss estimates using qualitative or environmental factors. The measurement of expected credit losses on these loan segments is influenced by macro-economic conditions.

Expected credit losses on loans to borrowers that are domiciled in foreign countries, primarily loans in the consumer and financial institutions portfolios, are generally estimated by assessing any available cash or other types of collateral, and the probability of losses arising from the Company’s exposure to those collateral assets. Loans in these portfolios are generally fully collateralized with cash, securities, and other assets and, therefore, generally have no expected credit losses.

The estimation of the allowance for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics involves inputs and assumptions, many of which are derived from vendor and internally developed models. These inputs and assumptions include, among others, the selection, evaluation and measurement of the reasonable and supportable economic forecast scenarios, prepayment rates, PD and LGD, most of which requires management to apply a significant amount of judgment and involves a high degree of estimation.

We identified the determination and evaluation of the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions as a critical audit matter because auditing the underlying assumptions in the allowance model involves a high degree of complexity and auditor judgment given the high degree of subjectivity exercised by management in developing the allowance for credit losses in the loan portfolio held for investment.

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Our audit procedures related to management’s evaluation and establishment of the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions of the allowance included the following, among others:

a.We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls related to the model and the evaluation and establishment of the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions of the allowance and tested such controls for design and operating effectiveness.

a.We tested management’s process and significant judgments in the evaluation and establishment of the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions of the allowance, which included:

Evaluating management’s considerations and data utilized as a basis for the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions (e.g., loan to value, debt service coverage ratio, historical loss experience, selected borrowers’ financial information and prepayment considerations) and tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data that was used by management by tracing on a sample basis inputs into the model to source documentation.

Evaluated the reasonableness of management’s judgements and support around significant input assumptions used with current economic trends and conditions.

Evaluating the scope, sufficiency of procedures performed by the model validator and results driven from the process used by management in validating the model’s performance, including model output-outcome testing.



/s/ RSM US LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
March 7, 2024
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Amerant Bancorp Inc.


Opinion on the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Amerant Bancorp Inc. and its subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated March 7, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.



/s// RSM US LLP

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
March 7, 2024

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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 31, 2022
Assets
Cash and due from banks$47,234 $19,486 
Interest earning deposits with banks242,709 228,955 
Restricted cash25,849 42,160 
Other short-term investments6,080 — 
Cash and cash equivalents321,872 290,601 
Securities
Debt securities available for sale1,217,502 1,057,621 
Debt securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (estimated fair value of $204,945 and $217,609 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)226,645 242,101 
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading2,534 11,383 
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock50,294 55,575 
Securities1,496,975 1,366,680 
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value365,219 — 
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value26,200 62,438 
Loans held for investment, gross6,873,493 6,857,194 
Less: allowance for credit losses95,504 83,500 
Loans held for investment, net6,777,989 6,773,694 
Bank owned life insurance234,972 228,412 
Premises and equipment, net43,603 41,772 
Deferred tax assets, net55,635 48,703 
Operating lease right-of-use assets118,484 139,987 
Goodwill19,193 19,506 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets256,185 156,011 
Total assets$9,716,327 $9,127,804 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deposits
Demand
Noninterest bearing$1,426,919 $1,367,664 
Interest bearing2,560,629 2,300,469 
Savings and money market1,610,218 1,647,811 
Time2,297,097 1,728,255 
Total deposits7,894,863 7,044,199 
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank645,000 906,486 
Senior notes59,526 59,210 
Subordinated notes29,454 29,284 
Junior subordinated debentures held by trust subsidiaries64,178 64,178 
Operating lease liabilities123,167 140,147 
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities164,071 178,574 
Total liabilities8,980,259 8,422,078 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)
Stockholders’ equity
Class A common stock, $0.10 par value, 250 million shares authorized; 33,603,242 shares issued and outstanding (2022- 33,815,161 shares issued and outstanding)3,361 3,382 
Additional paid in capital192,701 194,694 
Retained earnings610,802 590,375 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(70,796)(80,635)
Total stockholders' equity before noncontrolling interest736,068 707,816 
Noncontrolling interest— (2,090)
Total stockholders' equity736,068 705,726 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$9,716,327 $9,127,804 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Interest income
Loans$475,405 $293,210 $216,097 
Investment securities54,860 41,413 31,500 
Interest earning deposits with banks and other interest income18,314 4,153 247 
Total interest income548,579 338,776 247,844 
Interest expense
Interest bearing demand deposits62,551 15,118 591 
Savings and money market deposits42,356 11,808 3,533 
Time deposits78,829 22,124 23,766 
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank28,816 15,092 8,595 
Senior notes3,766 3,766 3,768 
Subordinated notes1,445 1,172 — 
Junior subordinated debentures4,345 3,030 2,449 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Total interest expense222,115 72,111 42,703 
Net interest income326,464 266,665 205,141 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses61,277 13,945 (16,500)
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses265,187 252,720 221,641 
Noninterest income
Deposits and service fees19,376 18,592 17,214 
Brokerage, advisory and fiduciary activities17,057 17,708 18,616 
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank, net40,084 10,678 (2,488)
Loan level derivative income4,580 10,360 3,951 
Change in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance5,173 5,406 5,459 
Cards and trade finance servicing fees3,067 2,276 1,771 
Derivative gains, net28 455 — 
Gain on sale of headquarters building— — 62,387 
Securities (losses) gains, net(10,989)(3,689)3,740 
Other noninterest income9,120 5,491 9,971 
Total noninterest income87,496 67,277 120,621 
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits133,506 123,510 117,585 
Occupancy and equipment27,843 27,393 20,364 
Professional and other services fees34,569 22,142 19,096 
Telecommunication and data processing15,485 14,735 14,949 
Advertising expenses12,811 11,620 3,382 
Loan level derivative expense1,910 8,146 815 
Contract termination costs1,550 7,103 — 
FDIC assessments and insurance10,601 6,598 6,423 
Depreciation and amortization6,842 5,883 7,269 
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets expense, net2,092 3,408 — 
Losses on loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value43,057 159 — 
Other operating expenses21,089 10,716 8,359 
Total noninterest expenses311,355 241,413 198,242 
Income before income tax expense41,328 78,584 144,020 
Income tax expense(10,539)(16,621)(33,709)
Net income before attribution of noncontrolling interest30,789 61,963 110,311 
Noncontrolling interest(1,701)(1,347)(2,610)
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.$32,490 $63,310 $112,921 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)


Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)202320222021
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities available for sale arising during the period$9,357 $(97,151)$(12,960)
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains on cash flow hedges arising during the period(15)220 137 
Reclassification adjustment for items included in net income497 1,079 (3,624)
Other comprehensive income (loss)9,839 (95,852)(16,447)
Comprehensive income (loss)$42,329 $(32,542)$96,474 
Earnings Per Share (Note 23)
Basic earnings per common share$0.97 $1.87 $3.04 
Diluted earnings per common share$0.96 $1.85 $3.01 
















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Each of the Three Years Ended December 31, 2022


Common StockAdditional
Paid
in Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total
Stockholders'
Equity Before Noncontrolling Interest
 Noncontrolling InterestTotal
Stockholders'
Equity
Shares OutstandingIssued Shares - Par Value
(in thousands, except share data)Class AClass BClass AClass BTreasury Stock
Balance at December 31, 202028,806,344 9,036,352 $2,882 $904 $305,569 $— $442,402 $31,664 $783,421 $— $783,421 
Conversion of stock8,047,564 (8,471,120)805 (847)42 — — — — — — 
Repurchase of Class A common stock(1,175,119)— — — — (36,332)— — (36,332)— (36,332)
Repurchase of Class B common stock— (565,232)— — — (9,563)— — (9,563)— (9,563)
Treasury stock retired— — (118)(57)(45,720)45,895 — — — — — 
Restricted stock issued252,503 — 25 — (25)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for restricted stock unit vesting45,586 — — (5)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for performance shares unit vesting1,729 — — — — — — — — — — 
Restricted stock surrendered(66,491)— (7)— (2,136)— — — (2,143)— (2,143)
Restricted stock forfeited(28,796)— (3)— — — — — — — 
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 4,782 — — — 4,782 — 4,782 
Dividends declared— — — — — — (2,156)— (2,156)— (2,156)
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.— — — — — — 112,921 — 112,921 — 112,921 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling-interest shareholders— — — — — — — — — (2,610)(2,610)
Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — (16,447)(16,447)— (16,447)
Balance at December 31, 202135,883,320 — $3,589 $— $262,510 $— $553,167 $15,217 $834,483 $(2,610)$831,873 
Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting principle, net of tax— — — — — — (13,872)— (13,872)— (13,872)
Repurchase of Class A common stock(2,255,005)— — — — (72,060)— — (72,060)— (72,060)
Transfer of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest— — — — (1,867)— — — (1,867)1,867 — 
Treasury stock retired— — (226)— (71,834)72,060 — — — — — 
Restricted stock issued175,601 18 — (18)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for restricted stock unit vesting33,349 — — (3)— — — — — — 
Restricted stock surrendered(17,768)— (2)— (1,061)— — — (1,063)— (1,063)
Restricted stock forfeited(39,673)— (4)— — — — — — — 
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan35,337 1,175 1,179 1,179 
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 5,788 — — — 5,788 — 5,788 
Dividends Paid— — — — — — (12,230)— (12,230)— (12,230)
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.— — — — — — 63,310 — 63,310 — 63,310 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling-interest shareholders— — — — — — — — — (1,347)(1,347)
Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — (95,852)(95,852)— (95,852)
Balance at December 31, 202233,815,161 — $3,382 $— $194,694 $— $590,375 $(80,635)$707,816 $(2,090)$705,726 
Repurchase of Class A common stock(259,853)— — — — (4,933)— — (4,933)— (4,933)
Treasury stock retired— — (26)— (4,907)4,933 — — — — — 
Restricted stock issued10,440 — (1)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for restricted stock unit vesting65,526 — — (7)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for performance shares unit vesting10,621 — — (1)— — — — — — 
Restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance stock units surrendered(53,607)— (5)— (1,422)— — — (1,427)— (1,427)
Restricted Stock forfeited(41,973)— (4)— — — — — — — 
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan56,927 — — 1,357 — — — 1,362 — 1,362 
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 6,775 — — — 6,775 — 6,775 
Dividends Paid— — — — — — (12,063)— (12,063)— (12,063)
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.— — — — — — 32,490 — 32,490 — 32,490 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling-interest shareholders— — — — — — — — — (1,701)(1,701)
Transfer of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest— — — — (3,791)— — — (3,791)3,791 — 
Other comprehensive income— — — — — — — 9,839 9,839 — 9,839 
Balance at December 31, 202333,603,242 — $3,361 $— $192,701 $— $610,802 $(70,796)$736,068 $— $736,068 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income before attribution of noncontrolling interest$30,789 $61,963 $110,311 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses61,277 13,945 (16,500)
Net premium amortization on securities and other short-term investments4,850 8,537 12,596 
Depreciation and amortization6,842 5,883 7,269 
Stock-based compensation expense6,775 5,788 4,782 
Losses on loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value43,057 159 — 
Loans on sale of repossessed assets2,649 — — 
Impairment on investment carried at cost1,963 — — 
Change in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance(5,173)(5,406)(5,459)
Securities losses (gains), net10,989 3,689 (3,740)
Derivative gains, net(28)(455)— 
(Gain) loss on sale of loans, net(4,355)320 (4,276)
Net gain on sale of headquarters building— — (62,387)
Net loss on sale of premises and equipment— — 71 
Deferred taxes and others(5,508)4,998 6,000 
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of advances from the FHLB, net(40,084)(10,678)2,488 
Proceeds from sales and repayments of mortgage loans originated for sale (at fair value)286,504 143,082 20,859 
Originations and purchases of mortgage loans originated for sale (at fair value)(343,524)(286,715)(35,108)
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accrued interest receivable and other assets(34,449)(15,348)(4,432)
Account payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities4,147 21,078 34,957 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities26,721 (49,160)67,431 
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of investment securities:
Available for sale(264,094)(266,667)(425,864)
Held to maturity— (140,028)(100,403)
Federal Home Loan Bank stock(83,119)(38,044)(4,565)
   Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading(2,500)(12,656)— 
(349,713)(457,395)(530,832)
Maturities, sales, calls, paydowns and redemptions of investment securities:
Available for sale104,191 246,394 446,436 
Held to maturity14,718 15,354 39,695 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock88,400 29,964 22,110 
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading11,168 252 23,470 
218,477 291,964 531,711 
Net proceeds from sale of headquarters building— — 132,360 
Net (increase) decrease in loans(509,687)(1,311,608)93,321 
Proceeds from loan portfolio sales109,224 84,029 166,329 
Purchase of bank owned life insurance(65,015)— — 
Purchases of premises and equipment and others(10,933)(10,629)(6,577)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment535 — 28 
Proceeds from sales of repossessed assets and other real estate owned2,464 6,393 16 
Cash paid in business acquisition, net(1,970)— (1,037)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(606,618)(1,397,246)385,319 
Cash flows from financing activities
Net increase in demand, savings and money market accounts281,822 1,022,913 602,950 
Net increase (decrease) in time deposits568,842 390,415 (703,722)
Proceeds from advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank1,955,000 1,130,000 485,500 
Repayments of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank(2,176,977)(1,024,322)(729,618)
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated notes, net of issuance costs— 29,146 — 
Repurchase of common stock - Class A(4,933)(72,060)(36,332)
Dividends paid(12,063)(12,230)— 
Repurchase of common stock - Class B— — (9,563)
Disbursements arising from stock based compensation, net(523)(1,063)(2,143)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities611,168 1,462,799 (392,928)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash31,271 16,393 59,822 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period290,601 274,208 214,386 
End of period$321,872 $290,601 $274,208 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows




Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid:
Interest$211,769 $67,295 $46,327 
Income taxes24,966 27,537 14,538 
Initial recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets— — 55,670 
Initial recognition of operating lease liabilities— — 56,024 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease obligations12,001 8,887 91,797 
Noncash investing activities:
Surrender of bank owned life insurance receivable from former insurance carrier63,628 — — 
Mortgage loans held for sale (at fair value) transferred to loans held for investment98,918 96,233 — 
Loans held for sale (at lower cost or fair value) transferred to loans held for investment— 65,802 — 
Loans held for investment transferred to loans held for sale (at lower of fair value or cost)449,563 — 256,154 
Net transfers from premises and equipments to operating lease right-of-use assets— — 69,931 
Loans transferred to other assets26,534 — 9,400 















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
a) Business
Amerant Bancorp Inc (the “Company”) is a Florida corporation incorporated in 1985, which has operated since January 1987. The Company is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (“BHC Act”), as a result of its 100% ownership of Amerant Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”). The Company’s principal office is in the City of Coral Gables, Florida. The Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (“Federal Reserve ”) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”). The Bank is a national bank subject to regulation and regular examinations by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”). The Bank has three operating subsidiaries: Amerant Investments, Inc., a securities broker-dealer (“Amerant Investments”), Amerant Mortgage, LLC (“Amerant Mortgage”), a mortgage lending company domiciled in Florida (“Amerant Mortgage”) and Elant Bank & Trust Ltd., a Grand-Cayman based trust company (the “Cayman Bank”).

The Bank has been serving the communities in which it operates for over 40 years. The Bank has 23 Banking Centers, including 16 located in South Florida, six in the Greater Houston area, Texas, and one in Tampa, Fl. As the main operating subsidiary of the Company, the Bank offers a wide variety of domestic, international, personal and commercial banking services. Investment, trust, fiduciary and wealth management services are provided through the Bank’s operating subsidiaries Amerant Investments and the Cayman Bank. Amerant Mortgage offers a full complement of residential lending solutions including conventional, government, construction, Jumbo loans, and other residential lending product offerings. The Company’s main activities are concentrated in its primary markets, with domestic customers located within those markets, and with international customers mainly located in Latin America. The Company does not have any significant concentrations to any one customer.

In May 2021, the Company incorporated a new wholly owned subsidiary, Amerant SPV, LLC, or Amerant SPV. From time to time, the Company may evaluate select opportunities to invest and acquire non-controlling interests, through Amerant SPV, in companies it partners with, or may acquire non-controlling interests of fintech and specialty finance companies that the Company believes will be strategic or accretive. In addition, through Amerant SPV, we may also invest in companies and funds that invest in technology companies that are developing solutions aimed at allowing financial institutions and community banks to more effectively compete and serve their customers.

The Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.10 per common share (the “Common Stock”) was listed and traded on the The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) Global Select Market under the symbol “AMTB” until August 28, 2023. On August 3, 2023, the Company provided written notice to Nasdaq of its determination to voluntarily withdraw the principal listing of the Company’s Common Stock from Nasdaq and transfer the listing of the Common Stock to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The Company’s Common Stock listing and trading on Nasdaq ended at market close on August 28, 2023, and trading commenced on the NYSE at market open on August 29, 2023 where it continues to trade under the stock symbol “AMTB”.

Restructuring Activities
The Company continues to work at optimizing its operating structure to best support its business activities.

In 2021, the Bank entered into a new multi-year outsourcing agreement with a recognized third party financial technology services provider (the “Financial Technology Services Agreement”). Under the terms of this agreement, the third party has assumed full responsibility over a significant number of the Bank’s former support functions and staff, including certain back-office operations. This new relationship entails transitioning of our core data processing platform and other applications from previous software vendors to those offered by this third party financial technology service provider. This new agreement is expected to allow the Bank to achieve greater operational efficiencies and deliver more advanced solutions and services to our customers. Effective January 1, 2022, there were 80 employees who are no longer working for the Company as a result of this new agreement. The Company completed the transition of its core data processing platform and other applications in the fourth quarter of 2023.

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Contract termination Costs

In connection with the implementation of the Financial Technology Services Agreement, the Company recorded estimated contract termination and related costs of approximately of $1.6 million and $7.1 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company does not expect to incur significant contract termination costs in the future in connection with the implementation of this agreement.

Other Restructuring Costs

In 2023, the Company recorded severance costs of approximately $4.0 million, branch closure expenses and related charges of $2.3 million, consulting and other professional fees and software expenses totaling of $6.4 million and a charge of $1.4 million related to the disposition of fixed assets due to the write off of in-development software.

In 2022, the Company recorded severance costs of approximately $3.0 million, consulting and other professional fees of $3.6 million and branch closure expenses and related charges of $1.6 million.
Severance costs are included in “salaries and employees benefits expense” in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Optimizing Capital Structure
Subordinated Notes. On March 9, 2022, the Company completed a $30.0 million offering of subordinated notes with a 4.25% fixed-to-floating rate and due on March 15, 2032 (the “Subordinated Notes”). See Note 10-Subordinated Notes, for details.
Stock Repurchases. In March of 2021, the Company announced a repurchase program to purchase up to $40 million of shares of Class B common stock (the “Class B Common Stock Repurchase Program”). In September 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $50 million of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (the “Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program”), and terminated the Class B Common Stock Repurchase Program, previously authorized in March 2021.

In January 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program to repurchase up to $50 million of its shares of Class A common stock (the “New Common Stock Repurchase Program”). Also, in January 2022, the Company announced the completion of the Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program, previously authorized in September 2021. Lastly, in May 2022, the Company announced the completion of the New Common Stock Repurchase Program, previously authorized in January 2022.
On December 19, 2022, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may purchase, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $25 million of its shares of Class A common stock (the “2023 Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program”).

In 2023, 2022 and 2021 the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the cancellation of all shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock repurchased in 2023, 2022 and 2021.
See Note 18-Stockholders’ Equity for details on all stock repurchases.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Clean-Up Merger. In November 2021, the Company’s shareholders approved a clean-up merger pursuant to which a newly-created subsidiary of the Company, formed with the only purpose of effecting the clean-up merger, merged with and into the Company (the “Clean-Up Merger”). Under the terms of the Clean-up Merger, among other actions, each outstanding share of Class B common stock was converted to 0.95 of a share of Class A common stock without any action on the part of the holders of Class B common stock. See Note 18-Stockholders’ Equity for details on the Clean-Up Merger.
Dividends. In January 2024, and each of the four quarters of 2023 and 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.09 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock. In 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock. See Note 18-Stockholders’ Equity for details on all dividends declared.
Wholly-owned Subsidiaries Mergers
On August 2, 2022, the Company completed an intercompany transaction of entities under common control, pursuant to which the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Amerant Florida Bancorp Inc. (“Amerant Florida”), merged with and into the Company, with the Company as sole survivor (the “Amerant Florida Merger”). In connection with the Amerant Florida Merger, the Company assumed all assets and liabilities of Amerant Florida, including its direct ownership of the Bank, the common capital securities issued by the 5 trust subsidiaries, and the junior subordinated debentures issued by Amerant Florida and related agreements. The Amerant Florida Merger had no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations. See Note 11- Junior Subordinated Debentures Held By Trust Subsidiaries for additional information on the common capital securities issued by the five trust subsidiaries, and the junior subordinated debentures.

Changes in Ownership Interest in Amerant Mortgage
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had an ownership interest of 100% and 80% in Amerant Mortgage, respectively. On December 31, 2023, Amerant Mortgage became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company as it increased its ownership interest to 100% effective as of December 31, 2023. This transaction had no material impact to the Company’s results of operations in the year ended December 31, 2023. In connection with the change in ownership interest, which brought the noncontrolling interest share of equity to zero, the Company derecognized the equity attributable to noncontrolling interest of $3.8 million at December 31, 2023, with a corresponding reduction to additional paid-in capital as of that date.

On March 31, 2022, the Company contributed $1.5 million in cash to Amerant Mortgage, increasing its ownership interest to 57.4% as of March 31, 2022 from 51% as of December 31, 2021. In addition, in the three months ended June 30, 2022, the Company increased its ownership interest in Amerant Mortgage to 80% from 57.4% at March 31, 2022. This change was the result of: (i) two former principals of Amerant Mortgage surrendering their interest in Amerant Mortgage to the Company, when they became full time employees of the Bank (the “Transfer of Subsidiary Shares From Noncontrolling Interest”), and (ii) an additional contribution made by the Company of $1 million, in cash, to Amerant Mortgage in the three months ended June 30, 2022. As a result of the Transfer of Subsidiary Shares From Noncontrolling Interest, in the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company reduced its Additional Paid-in Capital by a total of $1.9 million with a corresponding increase to the equity attributable to Noncontrolling Interest.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Business Acquisition
On January 13, 2023 (the “ 2023 Acquisition Date”), Amerant Mortgage completed the acquisition of certain assets and the assumption of certain liabilities of F&B Acquisition Group LLC (“F&B”), including access to an assembled workforce and other identifiable intangibles which collectively constituted a business (the “F&B Acquisition.”) The F&B Acquisition was recorded as a business acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of approximately $2.0 million was paid in cash and included the fair value of certain loans held for sale of $1.0 million. Upon completion of the purchase price allowance in the forth quarter of 2023, the Company determined there was no contingent consideration required to be included as part of purchase price.The Company recorded goodwill of $1.0 million, which represented the excess of the initial purchase price over the estimated fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired, net of the liabilities assumed.

On May 12, 2021 (the “Acquisition Date”), Amerant Mortgage completed the acquisition of First Mortgage Company (“FMC”). Amerant Mortgage and FMC were ultimately merged, allowing Amerant Mortgage to operate its business nationally with direct access to federal housing agencies. We refer to these transactions as the “FMC Acquisition.” The FMC Acquisition was recorded as a business acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of approximately $1.0 million was paid in cash and represented the fair value of $0.5 million in mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) acquired, plus a premium of $0.5 million. No liabilities were assumed in the transaction. The Company allocated the premium paid on the purchase to an indefinite-lived intangible license which was recorded at its fair value of $0.5 million as of the Acquisition Date. The MSRs and premium assigned to an intangible asset were recorded in “Other assets” in the consolidated balance sheets. The transaction resulted in no goodwill.
Naming Rights

In September 2023, the Company acquired exclusive naming rights to an arena in Broward County, Florida. The naming rights have been recorded as an intangible asset with an offsetting liability for related payments to be made in the future. The naming rights intangible asset is included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The naming rights liability is included as part of other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Amerant SPV Investments

The Company, through Amerant SPV, has invested in equity and non-equity instruments issued by Marstone, Inc (“Marstone”), a digital wealth management fintech it has partnered with to provide digital wealth management and financial planning capabilities to new and existing customers. In connection with the equity investment, in November 2021, Gerald P. Plush, our Company’s Chairman, President & CEO, was appointed to Marstone’s Board of Directors as one of its seven individual members. In July 2023, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer replaced Mr. Plush in the role, and does not have individual power to control or direct the operations of Marstone. The Company’s equity investment in Marstone represents less than 5% of its voting power. In addition, the Company considers it does not have a variable interest in Marstone. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s investments in Marstone include equity investments of $0.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and non-equity investments of $1.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively. In 2023, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2.0 million related to its equity investments in Marstone.

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021


In October 2021, the Company invested $2.5 million in an equity instrument issued by Raistone Financial Corp (“Raistone”), a financial technology solutions provider launched in 2017 that offers working capital financing solutions. This equity investment represents less than 5% of Raistone’s voting power. In addition, the Company considers it does not have a variable interest in Raistone. There were no additional investments in Raistone in 2023 and 2022.
In December 2021, the Company became a strategic lead investor in the JAM FINTOP Blockchain fund (the “JAM FINTOP Fund”), with an initial commitment of approximately $5.4 million that may be expanded to $9.8 million should the Fund increase to its maximum target size of $200 million. Initially, the JAM FINTOP Fund will focus its investments on the blockchain “infrastructure layer” that will help regulated financial institutions compliantly operate blockchain-powered applications in areas such as lending, payments, and exchanges. As a strategic lead investor in the JAM FINTOP Fund, the Company expects to have access and become an early adopter of this transformational technology. At December 31, 2023 and 2022 the investment in the JAM FINTOP Fund amounts to $1.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
In May 2023, the Company became an investor in the Black Dragon Fund (“Black Dragon”). At December 31, 2023, the investment in Black Dragon amounted to $1.0 million.
These investments in Marstone, Raistone, Black Dragon and the Fund are recorded at their original cost and are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in other assets. The Company reviews these investments periodically for deterioration. At December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, other than the impairment charge discussed above in connection with the Company's investments in Marstone, the Company considers these investments are not deteriorated and did not record an impairment charge as a result.
Bank Owned Life Insurance
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company completed a restructuring of its bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) program. This was executed through a combination of a 1035 exchange and a surrender and reinvestment into a higher-yielding general account with a new investment grade insurance carrier. This transaction allowed for higher team member participation through an enhanced split-dollar plan. Estimated improved yields resulting from the enhancement have an earn-back period of approximately 2 years. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recorded total additional expenses and charges of $4.6 million in connection with this transaction, including: (i) a reduction of $0.7 million to the cash surrender value of BOLI; (ii) transaction costs of $1.1 million, included as part of other operating expenses, and (iii) income tax expense of $2.8 million. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, the Company had a receivable from the prior insurance carrier for $62.5 million in connection with the restructuring of the Company’s BOLI in the fourth quarter of 2023, which was included as part of other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company collected in full this receivable from the prior insurance carrier in February 2024.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On June 8, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the Amerant Bancorp Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP” or the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is to provide eligible employees of the Company and its designated subsidiaries with the opportunity to acquire a stock ownership interest in the Company on favorable terms and to pay for such acquisitions through payroll deductions. All named executive officers, and all other executive officers of the Company who were eligible as of the enrollment deadline for the first offering period elected to participate in the Plan. See Note 14-Incentive Compensation and Benefit Plans for more details on the ESPP.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

COVID-19 PandemicEffects of Inflation and Changing Prices
The consolidated financial statements and related consolidated financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and practices within the banking industry, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical Dollars without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.
Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. However, inflation also affects a financial institution by increasing its cost of goods and services purchased, as well as the cost of salaries and benefits, occupancy expense, and similar items. Inflation and related increases in interest rates generally decrease the market value of investments and loans held and may adversely affect liquidity, earnings, and shareholders’ equity. Loan originations and re-financings also tend to slow as interest rates increase, and higher interest rates may reduce a financial institution’s earnings from such origination activities. Similarly, lower inflation and rate decreases increase the fair value of securities and loan origination and refinancing tend to accelerate.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We may engage in a variety of financial transactions in the ordinary course of business that, under GAAP, may not be recorded on the balance sheet. Those transactions may include contractual commitments to extend credit in the ordinary course of our business activities to meet the financing needs of customers. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets. These commitments are legally binding agreements to lend money at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time and generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. We use the same credit and collateral policies in making these credit commitments as we do for on-balance sheet instruments.
We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis and obtain collateral, if necessary, based on our credit evaluation of the borrower. In addition to commitments to extend credit, we also issue standby letters of credit that are commitments to a third-party in specified amounts of payment or performance, if our customer fails to meet its contractual obligation to the third-party. The credit risk involved in the underwriting of letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending credit to customers.
The following table shows the outstanding balance of our off-balance sheet arrangements as of the end of the periods presented. Except as disclosed below, we are not involved in any other off-balance sheet contractual relationships that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, a change in our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Commitments to extend credit$1,305,816 $1,165,701 $899,016 
Letters of credit29,605 20,726 32,107 
$1,335,421 $1,186,427 $931,123 

Commitments to extend credit increased $140.1 million, or 12.0%, as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. This was mainly driven by an increase in commercial and industrial loan commitments.
The Company uses interest rate swaps and other derivative instruments as part of its normal business operations. See Footnote 12- Derivatives to our consolidated financial statements for details.
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Contractual Obligations
In the normal course of business, we and our subsidiaries enter into various contractual obligations that may require future cash payments. Significant commitments for future cash obligations include capital expenditures related to operating leases, certain binding agreements we have entered into for services including outsourcing of technology services, advertising and other services, and other borrowing arrangements which are not material to our liquidity needs. We currently anticipate that our available funds, credit facilities, and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our operational cash needs for the foreseeable future. Other than the changes discussed herein, there have been no material changes to the contractual obligations previously disclosed in the 2022 Form 10-K.
The table below summarizes, by remaining maturity, our significant contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2023. Amounts in this table reflect the minimum contractual obligation under legally enforceable contracts with terms that are both fixed and determinable. All other contractual cash obligations on this table are reflected in our consolidated balance sheet.
As of December 31, 2023 we had the following contractual cash obligations:
Payments Due Date
(in thousands)TotalLess than one yearOne to three yearsOver three to five yearsMore than five years
Operating lease obligations$263,500 $15,195 $31,235 $31,816 $185,254 
Time deposits2,297,097 1,494,035 684,476 117,203 1,383 
Borrowings:
FHLB advances645,000 40,000 10,000 595,000 — 
Senior notes60,000 — 60,000 — — 
Subordinated notes30,000 — — — 30,000 
Junior subordinated debentures64,178 — — — 64,178 
Contractual interest payments (1)
253,373 50,248 62,045 54,565 86,515 
$3,613,148 $1,599,478 $847,756 $798,584 $367,330 
__________________
(1)    Calculated assuming a constant interest rate as of December 31, 2023.
We believe that we will be able to meet our contractual obligations as they come due through the maintenance of adequate liquidity. We expect to maintain adequate liquidity through the results of operations, loan and securities repayments and maturities and continued deposit gathering activities. We also have various borrowing facilities at the Bank to satisfy both short-term and long-term liquidity needs.
In December 2021, the Company became a strategic lead investor in the JAM FINTOP Blockchain fund (the “Fund”). The Company is currently committed to making future contributions to the Fund for a total of $7.5 million at December 31, 2023.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances, results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Accounting policies, as described in detail in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, are an integral part of our financial statements. A thorough understanding of these accounting policies is essential when reviewing our reported results of operations and our financial position. We believe that the critical accounting policies and estimates discussed below require us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Changes in these estimates, that are likely to occur from period to period, or using different estimates that we could have reasonably used in the current period, would have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Securities. Securities generally must be classified as held to maturity, or HTM, debt securities available-for-sale, or AFS, trading or, equity securities with readily available fair values. Securities classified as HTM are securities we have both the ability and intent to hold until maturity and are carried at amortized cost, less any allowance for credit losses. Trading securities, if we had any, would be held primarily for sale in the near term to generate income. Debt securities that do not meet the definition of trading or HTM are classified as AFS.

The classification of investment securities is significant since it directly impacts the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on these securities. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities, if we had any, and equity securities with readily available fair values, would flow directly through earnings during the periods in which they arise. AFS securities are measured at fair value each reporting period. Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities are recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity (accumulated other comprehensive income or loss) and do not affect earnings until realized or deemed to be credit-impaired. Investment securities that are classified as HTM are recorded at amortized cost, and reduced by an estimated amount of expected credit loss during the life of the investment, if any.

For debt securities available for sale, the Company evaluates whether: (i) the fair value of the securities is less than the amortized costs basis; (ii) it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, and (iii) the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. The Company estimates credit losses on debt securities available for sale using a discounted cash flow model. The present value of an impaired debt security results from estimating future cash flows that are expected to be collected, discounted at the debt security’s effective interest rate. The Company develops its estimates about cash flows expected to be collected and determines whether a credit loss exists, generally using information about past events, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and other qualitative factors including the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost basis, adverse conditions specifically related to the security, industry or geographic area, changes in conditions of any collateral underlying the securities, changes in credit ratings, failure of the issuer to make scheduled payments, among other qualitative factors specific to the applicable security. If a credit loss exists, the Company records an allowance for the credit losses, limited to the amount by which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. The Company recognizes in AOCI/AOCL a decline in fair value over the carrying amount of AFS securities that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses.

Debt securities available for sale are charged off to the extent that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery of amortized cost basis. Debt securities available for sale are placed on non-accrual status if the Company does not reasonably expect to receive interest payments in the future and interest accrued is reversed against interest income. Securities are returned to accrual status only when collection of interest is reasonably assured.
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments. We are, under applicable accounting guidance, required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in measuring fair value. We classify fair value measurements of financial instruments based on the three-level fair value hierarchy in the guidance. We carry mortgage loans, AFS debt and other securities, BOLI policies and derivative assets and liabilities at fair value. From time to time, we also have loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value.

The fair values of assets and liabilities may include adjustments for various factors, such as market liquidity and credit quality, where appropriate. Valuations of products using models or other techniques are sensitive to assumptions used for the significant inputs. Where market data is available, the inputs used for valuation reflect that information as of our valuation date. Inputs to valuation models are considered unobservable if they are supported by little or no market activity. In periods of extreme volatility, lessened liquidity or in illiquid markets, there may be more variability in market pricing or a lack of market data to use in the valuation process. In keeping with the prudent application of estimates and management judgment in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities, we have in place various processes and controls including validation controls, for which we utilize both broker and pricing service inputs. Data from these services may include both market-observable and internally-modeled values and/or valuation inputs. Our reliance on this information is affected by our understanding of how the broker and/or pricing service develops its data with a higher degree of reliance applied to those that are more directly observable and lesser reliance applied to those developed through their own internal modeling. Similarly, broker quotes that are executable are given a higher level of reliance than indicative broker quotes, which are not executable. These processes and controls are performed independently of the business. For additional information, see Note 18 of our audited consolidated financial statements.

Allowance for Credit Losses

In 2022, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 326 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326), which replaced the incurred loss methodology for estimated probable loan losses with an expected credit loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. The Company adopted the CECL guidance as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption, January 1, 2022, using a modified retrospective approach for all its financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures.
Under the CECL accounting guidance, the Allowance for Credit Losses, or ACL, is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of financial assets, including loans held for investments and debt securities held to maturity, to present the net amount that is expected to be collected throughout the life of those financial assets. The estimated ACL is recorded through a provision for credit losses charged against income. Management periodically evaluates the adequacy of the ACL to maintain it at a level it believes to be reasonable. The Company uses the same methods used to determine the ACL to assess any reserves needed for off-balance sheet credit risks such as unfunded loan commitments and contingent obligations on letters of credit. These reserves for off-balance sheet credit risks are presented in the liabilities section in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company develops and documents its methodology to determine the ACL at the portfolio segment level.The Company determines its loan portfolio segments based on the type of loans it carries and their associated risk characteristics. The measurement of expected credit losses considers information about historical events, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and other relevant information. Determining the amount of the ACL is complex and requires extensive judgment by management about matters that are inherently uncertain. Re-evaluation of the ACL estimate in future periods, in light of changes in composition and characteristics of the loan portfolio, changes in the reasonable and supportable forecast and other factors then prevailing may result in material changes in the amount of the ACL and credit loss expense in those future periods.

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Expected credit losses are estimated on a collective basis for groups of loans that share similar risk characteristics. Factors that may be considered in aggregating loans for this purpose include but are not necessarily limited to, product or collateral type, industry, geography, internal risk rating, credit characteristics such as credit scores or collateral values, and historical or expected credit loss patterns. For loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans such as collateral dependent loans and modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, expected credit losses are estimated on an individual basis.
Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual terms of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments. Expected prepayments for commercial and commercial real estate loans are generally estimated based on the Company's historical experience. For residential loans, expected prepayments are estimated using a model that incorporates industry prepayment data, calibrated to reflect the Company's experience. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications unless either of the following applies: management has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date a modification related to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty will be executed, or the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company.
With respect to modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, a change to the ACL is generally not recorded upon modification since the effect of these modifications is already included in the ACL given the measurement methodologies used to estimate the ACL. From time to time, the Company modifies loans by providing principal forgiveness on certain of its real estate loans. When principal forgiveness is provided, the amortized cost basis of the asset is written off against the ACL. The amount of the principal forgiveness is deemed to be uncollectible; therefore, that portion of the loan is written off, resulting in a reduction of the amortized cost basis and a corresponding adjustment to the ACL.
For the largest portfolio segments, including commercial and commercial real estate loans, expected credit losses are estimated using probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) bottom-up approach, which derives the expected losses from borrower's and market or industry specific risk characteristics. For smaller-balance homogeneous loans with similar risk characteristics, including residential, consumer and small business loans, the models estimate lifetime loan losses based on the portfolio’s historical behavior. In order to incorporate forward-looking expectations, the ACL for these portfolios is adjusted based on macroeconomic factors proven to have effects on the performance of the credit quality of each respective portfolio. The models incorporate a probability-weighted blend of macroeconomic scenarios by ingesting numerous national, regional and metropolitan statistical area (“MSA”) level variables and data points. Some of the more impactful include both current and forecasted unemployment rates, home price index, CRE property forecasts, stock market and market volatility indices, real gross domestic product growth, and a variety of interest rates and spreads. The macroeconomic forecast process is complex and varies from period to period and therefore may results in increased volatility in the ACL and earnings.

All loss estimates are conditioned as applicable on changes in current conditions and the reasonable and supportable economic forecast. Additionally, the Company makes qualitative adjustments to the ACL when, based on management’s judgment, there are factors impacting expected credit losses not taken into account by the quantitative calculations. Potential qualitative adjustments include economic factors, including material trends and developments that, in management's judgment, may not have been considered in the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, credit policy and staffing, including the nature and level of policy and procedural exceptions or changes in credit policy not reflected in quantitative results, changes in the quality of underwriting and portfolio management and staff and issues identified by credit review, internal audit or regulators that may not be reflected in quantitative results, concentrations, considering whether the quantitative estimate adequately accounts for concentration risk in the portfolio, model imprecision and model validation findings; and other factors not adequately considered in the quantitative estimate or other qualitative categories identified by management that may materially impact the amount of expected credit losses.

The Company expects to collect the amortized cost basis of government insured residential loans due to the nature of the government guarantee and, therefore generally have no expected credit losses.

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Expected credit losses on loans to borrowers that are domiciled in foreign countries, primarily loans in the Consumer and Financial Institutions portfolios are generally estimated by assessing the any available cash or other types of collateral, and the probability of losses arising from the Company’s exposure to those collateral assets. Loans in this portfolio are generally fully collateralized with cash, securities and other assets and, therefore, generally have no expected credit losses.

Commercial real estate, commercial and financial institution loans are charged off against the ACL when they are considered uncollectable. These loans are considered uncollectable when a loss becomes evident to management, which generally occurs when the following conditions are present, among others: (1) a loan or portions of a loan are classified as “loss” in accordance with the internal risk grading system; (2) a collection attorney has provided a written statement indicating that a loan or portions of a loan are considered uncollectible; and (3) the carrying value of a collateral-dependent loan exceeds the appraised value of the asset held as collateral. Consumer and other retail loans are charged off against the ACL at the earlier of (1) when management becomes aware that a loss has occurred, or (2) beginning effective as of December 31, 2022, when closed-end retail loans become past due 90 days (120 previously) or open-end retail loans become past due 180 days from the contractual due date. For open and closed-end retail loans secured by residential real estate, any outstanding loan balance in excess of the fair value of the property, less cost to sell, is charged off no later than when the loan is 180 days past due from the contractual due date. Consumer and other retail loans may not be charged off when management can clearly document that a past due loan is well secured and in the process of collection such that collection will occur regardless of delinquency status in accordance with regulatory guidelines applicable to these types of loans.

Recoveries on loans represent collections received on amounts that were previously charged off against the ACL. Recoveries are credited to the ACL when received, to the extent of the amount previously charged off against the ACL on the related loan. Any amounts collected in excess of this limit are first recognized as interest income, then as a reduction of collection costs, and then as other income.

Goodwill. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is likely an impairment has occurred. We have applied significant judgment for annual goodwill impairment testing purposes. The Company recorded goodwill impairment of $1.3 million in 2023 as a result of this evaluation. Future negative changes may result in potential impairments in future periods.

Determining the fair value of the reporting unit to which goodwill is allocated to (the Company as a whole since we report using a single-segment concept) is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant management judgment and the use of subjective measurements. Variability in the market and changes in assumptions or subjective measurements used to determine fair value are reasonably possible and may have a material impact on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

Deferred Income Taxes. We use the balance sheet method of accounting for income taxes as prescribed by GAAP. Under this method, DTAs and deferred tax liabilities, or DTLs, are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the DTAs a valuation allowance is established. DTAs and DTLs are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Accounting for deferred income taxes is a critical accounting estimate because we exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities. Management’s determination of the realization of DTAs is based upon management’s judgment of various future events and uncertainties, including the timing and amount of future income, reversing temporary differences which may offset, and the implementation of various tax plans to maximize realization of the DTAs. These judgments and estimates are inherently subjective and reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record a valuation allowance against our DTAs. A DTA valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in such period, which would negatively affect earnings. Conversely, the reversal of a valuation allowance previously recorded against a DTA would result in lower tax expense.

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. We have evaluated new accounting pronouncements that have recently been issued and have determined that certain of these new accounting pronouncements should be described in this section because, upon their adoption, there could be a significant impact to our operations, financial condition or liquidity in future periods. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company adopted new accounting guidance on current expected credit losses, or CECL with retroactive application as of January 1, 2022, the beginning of the adoption period. Please refer to Note 1 of our audited consolidated financial statements in this Form-10K for a detailed discussion of CECL and other recently issued accounting pronouncements that have been adopted by us that will require enhanced disclosures in our financial statements in future periods.
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Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We believe interest rate and price risks are the most significant market risks impacting us. We monitor and evaluate these risks using sensitivity analyses to measure the effects of changes in market interest rates on earnings, equity and the available for sale portfolio mark-to-market exposure. Exposures are managed to a set of limits previously approved by our Board of Directors and monitored by management.

Our market risk is jointly monitored by the Treasury unit, which reports to our Chief Financial Officer, and the Market Risk and Analytics unit, which reports to our Chief Risk Officer. Their primary responsibilities are identifying, measuring, monitoring and controlling interest rate and liquidity risks and balance sheet asset/liability management, or ALM. It also assesses and monitors the price risk of the Bank’s investment activities, which represents the risk to earnings and capital arising from changes in the fair market value of our investment portfolio.
Among its duties, the Treasury and Market Risk and Analytics units performs the following functions:
maintains a comprehensive market risk and ALM framework;
measures and monitors market risk and ALM across the organization to ensure that they are within approved risk limits and reports to ALCO and to the Board of Directors; and
recommends changes to risk limits to the Board of Directors.
We manage and implement our ALM strategies through monthly ALCO meetings. In the ALCO, we discuss, analyze, and decide on the best course of action to implement strategies designed as part of the ALM process.
Market risks taken by the Company are managed using an appropriate mix of marketable securities, wholesale funding and derivative contracts.

Market Risk Measurement
ALM
We use sensitivity analyses as the primary tool to monitor and evaluate market risk, which is comprised of interest rate risk and price risk. Exposures are managed to a set of limits previously approved by our Board of Directors and monitored by ALCO.
Sensitivity analyses are based on changes in interest rates (both parallel yield curve changes as well as non-parallel), and are performed for several different metrics. They include three types of analyses consistent with industry practices:
earnings sensitivity;
economic value of equity, or EVE; and
investment portfolio mark-to-market exposure (debt and equity securities available for sale and held to maturity securities).

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The Company continues to be asset sensitive, therefore income is expected to increase when interest rates move higher, and to decrease when interest rates move lower.
The high duration of our balance sheet has led to more sensitivity in the market values of financial instruments (assets and liabilities, including off balance sheet exposures). This sensitivity is captured in the EVE and investment portfolio mark-to-market exposure analyses. In the earnings sensitivity analysis, the opposite occurs. The higher duration will produce higher income today and less income variability during the next 12 months.
We monitor these exposures, and contrast them against limits established by our Board of Directors. Those limits correspond to the capital levels and the capital leverage ratio that we would report taking into consideration the interest rate increase scenarios modeled. Although we model the market price risk of the available for sale securities portfolio, and its projected effects on AOCI or AOCL (a component of stockholders’ equity), the Bank and the Company made an irrevocable election in 2015 to exclude the effects of AOCI or AOCL in the calculation of its regulatory capital ratios, in connection with the adoption of Basel III Capital Rules in the U.S.
Earnings Sensitivity
In this method, the financial instruments (assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet positions) generate interest rate risk exposure from mismatches in maturity and/or repricing given the financial instruments’ characteristics or cash flow behaviors such as pre-payment speeds. This method measures the potential change in our net interest income over the next 12 months, which corresponds to our short term interest rate risk. This analysis subjects a static balance sheet to instantaneous and parallel interest rate shocks to the yield curves for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income. We compare on a monthly basis the effect of the analysis on our net interest income over a one-year period against limits established by our Board of Directors.

The following table shows the sensitivity of our net interest income as a function of modeled interest rate changes:
Change in earnings (1)
December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)20232022
Change in Interest Rates (Basis points)
Increase of 200$20,487 6.1 %$27,580 7.9 %
Increase of 10015,618 4.7 %18,320 5.3 %
Decrease of 50
(3,923)(1.2)%(5,683)(1.6)%
Decrease of 100(10,273)(3.1)%(11,548)(3.3)%
Decrease of 200(21,290)(6.3)%(34,279)(9.8)%
__________________
(1) Represents the change in net interest income, and the percentage that change represents of the base scenario net interest income. The base scenario assumes (i) flat interest rates over the next 12 months, (ii) that total financial instrument balances are kept constant over time and (iii) that interest rate shocks are instant and parallel to the yield curve, for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income.

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Net interest income in the base scenario, decreased to approximately $336.0 million in December 31, 2023 compared to $349.0 million in December 31, 2022. This decrease is mainly due to: higher cost of total deposits and wholesale funding operations,borrowings. These decreases were partially offset by: (i) higher floating loan rates on existing loans due to increase in market rates repricing higher throughout 2023 and (ii) the growth in the size of the balance sheet as total assets increased $588.5 million or 6.4% in 2023 compared to 2022.

The Company periodically reviews the scenarios used for earnings sensitivity to reflect market conditions.

Economic Value of Equity Analysis

We use economic value of equity, or EVE, to measure the potential change in the fair value of the Company’s asset and liability positions, and the subsequent potential effects on our economic capital. In the EVE analysis, we calculate the fair value of all assets and liabilities, including advances fromoff-balance sheet instruments, based on different rate environments (i.e. fair value at current rates against the FHLBfair value based on parallel shifts of the yield curves for the various interest rates and other short-term borrowings, have historically supplied us with a significant sourceindices that affect our net interest income). This analysis measures the long term interest rate risk of liquidity. In addition, beginning in 2020, Senior Notes also provided us with a significant source of liquidity in 2020. These sources have been sufficient to fund our operations while allowing us to invest in activities that support the long-term growthbalance sheet.

The following table shows the sensitivity of our business. We evaluateEVE as a function of interest rate changes as of the periods presented:
Change in equity (1)
December 31,
20232022
Change in Interest Rates (Basis points)
Increase of 200(4.66)%(7.97)%
Increase of 100(0.38)%(3.06)%
Decrease of 503.61 %3.08 %
Decrease of 1001.83 %4.11 %
Decrease of 2002.73 %4.95 %
__________________
(1) Represents the percentage of equity change in a static balance sheet analysis assuming interest rate shocks are instant and parallel to the yield curves for the various interest rates and indices that affect our funding requirementsnet interest income.


The improvements in the sensitivity of EVE from changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2023 for the 200 and 100 basis point increase buckets are principally attributed to the balance sheet becoming more asset sensitive compared to December 31, 2022. During the periods reported, the modeled effects on a regular basis to cover any potential shortfall in our ability to generate sufficient cash from operations to meet our capital requirements. We may consider funding alternatives to provide additional liquidity when necessary. There is some uncertainty surroundingthe EVE remained within established Company risk limits.


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Available for Sale Portfolio mark-to-market exposure

The Company measures the potential impactchange in the market price of its investment portfolio, and the COVID-19 outbreakresulting potential change on our resultsits equity for different interest rate scenarios. This table shows the result of operationsthis test as of December 31, 2023 and cash flows. As a result, in 2020, we proactively took steps to increase cash available on-hand, including, but not limited2022:
Change in market value (1)
December 31,
(in thousands)20232022
Change in Interest Rates (Basis points)
Increase of 200$(112,010)$(116,288)
Increase of 100(54,182)(59,755)
Decrease of 5034,956 30,527 
Decrease of 10055,312 60,578 
Decrease of 200112,809 115,225 
__________________
(1) Represents the amounts by which the investment portfolio mark-to-market would change assuming rate shocks that are instant and parallel to the repositioningyield curves for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income.


The average duration of our investment portfolio and seekingslightly increased to extend5.0 years at December 31, 2023 compared to 4.9 years at December 31, 2022. The slight increase in duration was mainly due to lower mortgage-backed securities prepayments. Additionally, the duration of and reduce the cost on, our long-term debt, primarily advancesfloating rate portfolio slightly increased to 13.3% at December 31, 2023 from the FHLB. Cash and cash equivalents increased $93.1 million, or 76.7% in 2020 attributable to higher balances13.2% at the Federal Reserve and included the net proceeds of $58.4 million from the aforementioned issuance of Senior Notes completed during the three months ended June 30, 2020. See —Cash and Cash Equivalents. In addition, in early April 2020, the Company modified maturities on $420.0 million fixed-rate FHLB advances. See earlier discussion in this section.
Redemption of Junior Subordinated DebenturesDecember 31, 2022.

On July 31, 2019We monitor our interest rate exposures monthly through the ALCO, and September 7, 2019,seek to manage these exposures within limits established by our Board of Directors. Those limits correspond to the Company redeemed all $10.0 millioncapital ratios that we would report taking into consideration the interest increase scenarios modeled. Notwithstanding that our model includes the available for sale securities portfolio, and its projected effect on AOCI or AOCL (a component of its outstanding 10.18% trust preferred securities issued by its Capital Trustshareholders’ equity), we made an irrevocable election in 2015 to exclude the effects of AOCI or AOCL in the calculation of our regulatory capital ratios, in connection with the adoption of Basel III and all $15.0 million of its outstanding 10.60% trust preferred securities issued by its Statutory Trust II, respectively. capital rules in the U.S.

Limits Approval Process
The Capital Trust III and the Statutory Trust II securities were redeemed at the contractual call price of 101.018% and 100.53%, respectively. The Company simultaneously redeemed all $10.4 million and $15.5 million junior subordinated debentures held by its Capital Trust III and Statutory Trust II subsidiaries, respectively, as part of these redemption transactions.  The redemptions that took place in 2019 together reduced total cash and cash equivalents by approximately $23.8 million, financial liabilities by approximately $25.9 million and other assets by approximately $2.4 million. In addition, 2019 results included a total charge of $0.3 millionALCO is responsible for the contractual premiums paid to security holders from these redemptions.management of market risk exposures and meets monthly. The redemption of these legacy Tier 1 capital instruments reducedALCO monitors all the Company’s Tier 1 equityexposures, compares them against specific limits, and takes actions to modify any exposure that the ALCO considers inappropriate based on market expectations or new business strategies, among other factors. The ALCO reviews and recommends market risk limits to our Board of Directors. These limits are reviewed annually or more frequently as believed appropriate, based on various factors, including capital by a net of $23.5 millionlevels and pretax annual interest expense by approximately $2.6 million.
On January 30, 2020, the Company redeemed all $26.8 million of its outstanding 8.90% trust preferred capital securities issued by Capital Trust I at a redemption price of 100%. The Company simultaneously redeemed all junior subordinated debentures held by Capital Trust I as part of this redemption transaction. This redemption reduced total cash and cash equivalents by $27.1 million, financial liabilities by $28.1 million, other assets by $3.4 million, and other liabilities by $2.2 million at that date. In addition, the Company recorded a charge of $0.3 million during the first quarter of 2020 for the unamortized issuance costs. This redemption reduced the Company’s Tier 1 equity capital at that date by a net of $24.7 million and pretax annual interest expense by $2.4 million.earnings.

Regulatory Capital Requirements
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WeThe following table sets forth information regarding our interest rate sensitivity due to the maturities of our interest bearing assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023. This information may not be indicative of our interest rate sensitivity position at other points in time.

December 31, 2023
(in thousands except percentages)TotalLess than one yearOne to three yearsFour to Five YearsMore than five yearsNon-rate
Earning Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$321,872 $246,883 $— $— $— $74,989 
Securities:
Debt available for sale1,217,502 268,654 319,225 170,532 459,091 — 
Debt held to maturity226,645 — — — 226,645 — 
Marketable equity securities2,534 2,534 — — — — 
Federal Reserve and FHLB stock50,294 37,014 — — — 13,280 
Loans held for sale391,419 391,419 — — — — 
Loans held for investment - performing (1)
6,839,093 4,234,340 1,209,433 636,291 759,028 — 
Earning Assets$9,049,359 $5,180,845 $1,528,658 $806,823 $1,444,764 $88,269 
Liabilities
Interest bearing demand deposits2,560,629 2,560,629 — — — — 
Saving and money market1,610,218 1,610,218 — — — — 
Time deposits2,297,097 1,509,891 671,752 114,543 912 — 
FHLB advances (2)
645,000 635,000 10,000 — — — 
Senior Notes59,526 — 59,526 — — — 
Subordinated Notes29,454 — — — 29,454 — 
Junior subordinated debentures64,178 64,178 — — — — 
Interest bearing liabilities$7,266,102 $6,379,916 $741,278 $114,543 $30,366 $— 
Interest rate sensitivity gap(1,199,071)787,380 692,280 1,414,398 88,269 
Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap(1,199,071)(411,691)280,589 1,694,987 1,783,256 
Earnings assets to interest bearing liabilities (%)81.2 %206.2 %704.4 %4,757.8 %N/M

__________________
(1)     “Loans held for investment - performing” excludes $34.4 million of non-performing loans (non-accrual loans and loans 90 days or more past-due and still accruing).
(2) Includes FHLB advances in the amount of $595.0 million set to mature in 2027 or later, which come with quarterly callable features.
N/M    Not meaningful.

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Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Financial Statements Information
The financial statements information required by this item is contained under the section titled “Index to Financial Statements” (and the financial statements and related notes referenced therein) included in Item 15.1 Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The CEO and the CFO, with assistance from other members of management, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023 and, based on their evaluation, have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Other than the changes in connection with our implementation of the remediation plan to remediate the material weakness identified by management described under “Remediation of Material Weakness” below and the changes described below in connection with the completed transition of our core data processing platform and other applications in the fourth quarter of 2023, there were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act, that occurred during the period covered by this Form 10-K that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

On November 4, 2021, we announced a new multi-year outsourcing agreement with Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) which includes the transition of our core data processing platform and other applications to FIS. This transition to FIS was completed on November 6, 2023. Upon completion of the transition, we updated our internal controls to include business cycle review controls, controls over data migration to the new core system, and controls over reliability of balances and transactional activity as of and in the post-conversion period ended December 31, 2023.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the preparations of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In designing and evaluating disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in SEC Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

140


The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention, or timely detection and correction of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to various regulatory capitalthe risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As disclosed in Part II 9A Controls and Procedures in our Annal Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company’s management identified a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting associated with the estimation of the allowance for credit losses, errors related to the computational accuracy of the model used for purchased consumer and land loans, the loan to value and prepayment assumption inputs and the qualitative factor adjustments.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company implemented a remediation plan to address the aforementioned material weakness that included the design, documentation, and implementation of enhanced controls over the computational accuracy of the model used for purchased consumer and land loans, the loan to value and prepayment assumption inputs and the qualitative factor adjustments. During the fourth quarter of 2023, we completed testing of these enhancements to our internal controls for operating effectiveness and found them to be effective. As of December 31, 2023, the aforementioned material weakness was considered to be remediated and did not lead to any adjustments to previously reported or current financial information.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, has been audited by RSM US LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their accompanying report which is included in Item 15.1 Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.



Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Securities Trading Plans of Directors and Executive Officers

During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, none of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K).    

Item 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
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PART III

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Certain information relating to the Executive Officers of the Company appears in Part I of this Form 10-K under the heading “Information about our Executive Officers” and is incorporated by reference in this section.
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “Proxy Statement”) under the captions “Directors and Nominees,” “Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.
We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics applicable to all officers, directors and employees. In addition, our Code of Conduct and Ethics contains additional provisions that are applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and other principal financial and accounting officers. The Code of Conduct and Ethics is available under the “Documents & Charters” link under the “Corporate Governance” dropdown menu in the “Investor Relations” tab on our website at https://www.amerantbank.com. In the event that we amend or waive any of the provisions of the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Senior Officers that relate to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K, we intend to disclose such amendment or waiver at the same location on our website.

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the caption “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion & Analysis,” “Compensation and Human Capital Committee Report,” “Director Compensation,” and “Compensation and Human Capital Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the captions “Corporate Governance,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the caption “Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.
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PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBIT and FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) List of documents filed as part of this report
1) Financial Statements and 2) Financial Statements Schedules:
The financial statements information required by this item is contained under the section entitled “Consolidated Financial Statements” (and the financial statements and related notes referenced therein) included beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.

3) List of Exhibits
The exhibit list in the Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference as the list of exhibits required as part of this report.

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
2.1
2.2
3.1
3.3
4.1Declaration of Trust, made as of December 6, 2002, by and between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.2Indenture, dated as of December 19, 2002, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.3Guarantee Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2002, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.4Declaration of Trust, made as of March 26, 2003, by and between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.5Indenture, dated as of April 10, 2003, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.6Guarantee Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2003, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.7Declaration of Trust, made as of March 17, 2004, by and between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.8Indenture, dated as of March 31, 2004, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.9Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2004, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.10Declaration of Trust, made on September 8, 2006, by and among Commercebank Holding Corporation, Wilmington Trust Company, Alberto Peraza and Ricardo Alvarez *
4.11Indenture, dated as of September 21, 2006, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
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Exhibit
Number
Description
4.12Guarantee Agreement, dated as of September 21, 2006, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.13Declaration of Trust, made on November 28, 2006, by and among Commercebank Holding Corporation, Wilmington Trust Company, Alberto Peraza and Ricardo Alvarez *
4.14Indenture, dated as of December 14, 2006, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.15Guarantee Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2006, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.16

4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
10.1
10.2
10.3

10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
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Exhibit
Number
Description
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
97.1
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data (embedded within the XBRL documents)
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* The Company hereby agrees pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K to furnish a copy of this instrument to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
** Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or agreement.
*** Furnished hereby.

Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements administeredof Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the Federal Reserveundersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AMERANT BANCORP INC.
March 7, 2024By:/s/ Gerald P. Plush
DateName:Gerald P. Plush
Title:Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and OCC. Failurein the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Gerald P. Plush Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 7, 2024
Gerald P. Plush
/s/ Sharymar Calderon
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
March 7, 2024
Sharymar Calderon
/s/ Armando D. Fleitas
Executive Vice-President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
March 7, 2024
Armando D. Fleitas
/s/ Erin KnightDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Erin Knight
/s/ Miguel A. Capriles L.DirectorMarch 7, 2024
Miguel A. Capriles L.
/s/ Pamella J. DanaLead Independent DirectorMarch 7, 2024
Pamella J. Dana
/s/ Samantha HolroydDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Samantha Holroyd
/s/ Gustavo Marturet M.DirectorMarch 7, 2024
Gustavo Marturet M.
/s/ John QuelchDirectorMarch 7, 2024
John Quelch
/s/ John W. QuillDirectorMarch 7, 2024
John W. Quill
/s/ Ashaki RuckerDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Ashaki Rucker
/s/ Oscar SuarezDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Oscar Suarez
/s/ Millar WilsonDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Millar Wilson

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Item 15.1 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
AMERANT BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX
Page
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Amerant Bancorp Inc.


Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Amerant Bancorp Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes to meet regulatory capital requirements may resultthe consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in certain discretionary,all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and possible mandatory actions2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by regulators that, if taken, could have a direct material effectthe Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated March 7, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our business, financial conditionaudits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and results of operation. Underare required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal capital adequacysecurities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the regulatory framework for “prompt corrective action”,Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we must meet specific capital guidelinesplan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated for regulatory capital purposes. Our capitalrespond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and classificationdisclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are also subjectmaterial to qualitative judgmentsthe financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the regulators, including anticipated capital needs. Supervisory assessments of capital adequacy may differ significantly from conclusions based solely uponcritical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the regulations’ risk-based capital ratios. Quantitative measures established by regulationcritical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to ensure capital adequacy require us to maintain minimum CET1, Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based capital ratios.which they relate.
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The Basel III rules became effective
Allowance for Credit Losses – Loans Held for Investment
As described in Note 1 and 5 to the Company andfinancial statements, the Bank on January 1, 2015 with full compliance with all of the requirements being phased in over a multi-year schedule and were fully phased in by January 1, 2019. The Company and the Bank opted to not include the AOCICompany’s allowance for credit losses for loans held for investment (allowance or AOCL in computing regulatory capital. Management believes,allowance for credit losses) totaled $95.5 million as of December 31, 2020, 20192023. The allowance for credit losses is an estimate of life-of-loan losses for the Company’s loans held for investment. The allowance is a valuation account that is deducted from the carrying amount of loans held for investment.

The allowance consists of two components: an asset-specific component for estimating credit losses for individual loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans; and 2018a pooled component for estimating credit losses for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics. The allowance for the Companypooled component is derived from an estimate of expected credit losses primarily using an expected loss methodology that incorporates risk parameters such as probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) which are derived from various vendor models and/or internally developed model estimation approaches for smaller homogenous loans.

PD is projected in these models or estimation approaches using economic scenarios, whose outcomes are weighted based on the Company’s economic outlook and were developed to incorporate relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For commercial loans held for investment above $3 million, LGD is typically derived from the Company’s own loss experience based on specific risk characteristics. For commercial real estate loans held for investment, the loss given default is derived from vendor models using property and loan risk characteristics.

For smaller-balance homogeneous pooled loans with similar risk characteristics such as collateral type and loan purpose (e.g., residential, small business lending under $3 million, consumer and land loans), other modeling techniques are used. These include modeling that relies upon observable inputs such as historical or average loss rates by year of loan origination (i.e., vintage) and prepayment considerations for future expected contractual loan outstanding balances.

For the smaller-balance homogenous pooled loan segments, the quantitative estimates of expected credit losses are then adjusted to incorporate considerations of current trends and conditions that are not captured in the quantitative credit loss estimates using qualitative or environmental factors. The measurement of expected credit losses on these loan segments is influenced by macro-economic conditions.

Expected credit losses on loans to borrowers that are domiciled in foreign countries, primarily loans in the consumer and financial institutions portfolios, are generally estimated by assessing any available cash or other types of collateral, and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirementsprobability of losses arising from the Company’s exposure to which theythose collateral assets. Loans in these portfolios are subject,generally fully collateralized with cash, securities, and exceed the minimum requirements to be well-capitalized. In addition, Basel III rules required the Company and the Bank to hold a minimum capital conservation buffer of 2.50% by 2019. The Company’s capital conservation buffer at year end 2020 and 2019 was 6.0% and 6.8%, respectively,other assets and, therefore, generally have no regulatory restrictions exist under the applicable capital rules on dividends or discretionary bonuses or other payments. expected credit losses.
See —“Supervision and Regulation— Capital” for more information regarding regulatory capital.
Our Company’s consolidated regulatory capital amountsThe estimation of the allowance for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics involves inputs and ratiosassumptions, many of which are presentedderived from vendor and internally developed models. These inputs and assumptions include, among others, the selection, evaluation and measurement of the reasonable and supportable economic forecast scenarios, prepayment rates, PD and LGD, most of which requires management to apply a significant amount of judgment and involves a high degree of estimation.

We identified the determination and evaluation of the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions as a critical audit matter because auditing the underlying assumptions in the following table:allowance model involves a high degree of complexity and auditor judgment given the high degree of subjectivity exercised by management in developing the allowance for credit losses in the loan portfolio held for investment.
ActualRequired for Capital Adequacy PurposesRegulatory Minimums To be Well Capitalized
(in thousands, except percentages)AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
December 31, 2020
Total capital ratio$876,966 13.96 %$502,463 8.00 %$628,078 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio798,033 12.71 %376,847 6.00 %502,463 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio798,033 10.11 %315,770 4.00 %394,713 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio736,930 11.73 %282,635 4.50 %408,251 6.50 %
December 31, 2019
Total capital ratio$945,310 14.78 %$511,760 8.00 %$639,699 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio891,913 13.94 %383,820 6.00 %511,760 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio891,913 11.32 %315,055 4.00 %393,819 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio806,050 12.60 %287,865 4.50 %415,805 6.50 %
December 31, 2018
Total capital ratio$916,663 13.54 %$541,638 8.00 %$677,047 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio859,031 12.69 %406,228 6.00 %541,638 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio859,031 10.34 %332,190 4.00 %415,238 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio749,465 11.07 %304,671 4.50 %440,080 6.50 %

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The Bank’s consolidated regulatory capital amounts
Our audit procedures related to management’s evaluation and ratios are presented inestablishment of the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions of the allowance included the following, table:
ActualRequired for Capital Adequacy PurposesRegulatory Minimums to be Well Capitalized
(in thousands, except percentages)AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
December 31, 2020
Total capital ratio$873,152 13.91 %$502,214 8.00 %$627,768 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio794,257 12.65 %376,661 6.00 %502,214 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio794,257 10.07 %315,569 4.00 %394,461 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio794,257 12.65 %282,495 4.50 %408,049 6.50 %
December 31, 2019
Total capital ratio$841,305 13.15 %$511,638 8.00 %$639,547 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio787,908 12.32 %383,728 6.00 %511,638 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio787,908 10.01 %314,800 4.00 %393,500 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio787,908 12.32 %287,796 4.50 %415,706 6.50 %
December 31, 2018
Total capital ratio$883,746 13.05 %$541,564 8.00 %$676,955 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio826,114 12.20 %406,173 6.00 %541,564 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio826,114 9.96 %331,829 4.00 %414,786 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio826,114 12.20 %304,630 4.50 %440,021 6.50 %
among others:

The Basel III Capital Rules reviseda.We obtained an understanding of the definitionrelevant controls related to the model and the evaluation and establishment of capitalthe PD, LGD and describeprepayment speed assumptions of the capital componentsallowance and eligibilitytested such controls for design and operating effectiveness.

a.We tested management’s process and significant judgments in the evaluation and establishment of the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions of the allowance, which included:

Evaluating management’s considerations and data utilized as a basis for the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions (e.g., loan to value, debt service coverage ratio, historical loss experience, selected borrowers’ financial information and prepayment considerations) and tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data that was used by management by tracing on a sample basis inputs into the model to source documentation.

Evaluated the reasonableness of management’s judgements and support around significant input assumptions used with current economic trends and conditions.

Evaluating the scope, sufficiency of procedures performed by the model validator and results driven from the process used by management in validating the model’s performance, including model output-outcome testing.



/s/ RSM US LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
March 7, 2024
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Amerant Bancorp Inc.


Opinion on the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Amerant Bancorp Inc. and its subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria for CET1 capital, additional Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital. See “Item 1. Businessestablished in Internal ControlSupervision and Regulation” for detailed information. During 2020,Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. In our opinion, the Company redeemedmaintained, in all $26.8 millionmaterial respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of its outstanding 8.90% trust preferred securitiesDecember 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by Capital Trust I and related junior subordinated debentures. During 2019,the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company redeemed $25.0 millionas of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated March 7, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its 10.60% and 10.18% trust preferred securities issued by Statutory Trust II and Capital Trust III and related junior subordinated debentures. See “Capital Resources and Liquidity Management” for more detailassessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the redemption of trust preferred securitiesCompany’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and related junior subordinated debt.
During the first quarter of 2020,are required to be independent with respect to the Company adoptedin accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the simplified capitalapplicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for non-advanced approaches institutionsour opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with nogenerally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s regulatory capital and ratios. In addition, asfinancial statements.

F-5

Table of March 31, 2020,Contents

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the Company determined to opt outrisk that controls may become inadequate because of adopting the new community bank leverage ratio framework givenchanges in conditions, or that the perceived benefits provided bydegree of compliance with the new regulation did not exceed the potential costs considering the Company’s currentpolicies or procedures may deteriorate.



/s// RSM US LLP

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
March 7, 2024

F-6

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and projected sizeSubsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 31, 2022
Assets
Cash and due from banks$47,234 $19,486 
Interest earning deposits with banks242,709 228,955 
Restricted cash25,849 42,160 
Other short-term investments6,080 — 
Cash and cash equivalents321,872 290,601 
Securities
Debt securities available for sale1,217,502 1,057,621 
Debt securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (estimated fair value of $204,945 and $217,609 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)226,645 242,101 
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading2,534 11,383 
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock50,294 55,575 
Securities1,496,975 1,366,680 
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value365,219 — 
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value26,200 62,438 
Loans held for investment, gross6,873,493 6,857,194 
Less: allowance for credit losses95,504 83,500 
Loans held for investment, net6,777,989 6,773,694 
Bank owned life insurance234,972 228,412 
Premises and equipment, net43,603 41,772 
Deferred tax assets, net55,635 48,703 
Operating lease right-of-use assets118,484 139,987 
Goodwill19,193 19,506 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets256,185 156,011 
Total assets$9,716,327 $9,127,804 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deposits
Demand
Noninterest bearing$1,426,919 $1,367,664 
Interest bearing2,560,629 2,300,469 
Savings and money market1,610,218 1,647,811 
Time2,297,097 1,728,255 
Total deposits7,894,863 7,044,199 
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank645,000 906,486 
Senior notes59,526 59,210 
Subordinated notes29,454 29,284 
Junior subordinated debentures held by trust subsidiaries64,178 64,178 
Operating lease liabilities123,167 140,147 
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities164,071 178,574 
Total liabilities8,980,259 8,422,078 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)
Stockholders’ equity
Class A common stock, $0.10 par value, 250 million shares authorized; 33,603,242 shares issued and outstanding (2022- 33,815,161 shares issued and outstanding)3,361 3,382 
Additional paid in capital192,701 194,694 
Retained earnings610,802 590,375 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(70,796)(80,635)
Total stockholders' equity before noncontrolling interest736,068 707,816 
Noncontrolling interest— (2,090)
Total stockholders' equity736,068 705,726 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$9,716,327 $9,127,804 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and operations. See “Item.1 - SupervisionSubsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Regulation” for additional information on the simplified capital rulesComprehensive Income (Loss)

Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Interest income
Loans$475,405 $293,210 $216,097 
Investment securities54,860 41,413 31,500 
Interest earning deposits with banks and other interest income18,314 4,153 247 
Total interest income548,579 338,776 247,844 
Interest expense
Interest bearing demand deposits62,551 15,118 591 
Savings and money market deposits42,356 11,808 3,533 
Time deposits78,829 22,124 23,766 
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank28,816 15,092 8,595 
Senior notes3,766 3,766 3,768 
Subordinated notes1,445 1,172 — 
Junior subordinated debentures4,345 3,030 2,449 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Total interest expense222,115 72,111 42,703 
Net interest income326,464 266,665 205,141 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses61,277 13,945 (16,500)
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses265,187 252,720 221,641 
Noninterest income
Deposits and service fees19,376 18,592 17,214 
Brokerage, advisory and fiduciary activities17,057 17,708 18,616 
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank, net40,084 10,678 (2,488)
Loan level derivative income4,580 10,360 3,951 
Change in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance5,173 5,406 5,459 
Cards and trade finance servicing fees3,067 2,276 1,771 
Derivative gains, net28 455 — 
Gain on sale of headquarters building— — 62,387 
Securities (losses) gains, net(10,989)(3,689)3,740 
Other noninterest income9,120 5,491 9,971 
Total noninterest income87,496 67,277 120,621 
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits133,506 123,510 117,585 
Occupancy and equipment27,843 27,393 20,364 
Professional and other services fees34,569 22,142 19,096 
Telecommunication and data processing15,485 14,735 14,949 
Advertising expenses12,811 11,620 3,382 
Loan level derivative expense1,910 8,146 815 
Contract termination costs1,550 7,103 — 
FDIC assessments and insurance10,601 6,598 6,423 
Depreciation and amortization6,842 5,883 7,269 
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets expense, net2,092 3,408 — 
Losses on loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value43,057 159 — 
Other operating expenses21,089 10,716 8,359 
Total noninterest expenses311,355 241,413 198,242 
Income before income tax expense41,328 78,584 144,020 
Income tax expense(10,539)(16,621)(33,709)
Net income before attribution of noncontrolling interest30,789 61,963 110,311 
Noncontrolling interest(1,701)(1,347)(2,610)
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.$32,490 $63,310 $112,921 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and the community bank leverage ratio framework.Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)


Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)202320222021
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities available for sale arising during the period$9,357 $(97,151)$(12,960)
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains on cash flow hedges arising during the period(15)220 137 
Reclassification adjustment for items included in net income497 1,079 (3,624)
Other comprehensive income (loss)9,839 (95,852)(16,447)
Comprehensive income (loss)$42,329 $(32,542)$96,474 
Earnings Per Share (Note 23)
Basic earnings per common share$0.97 $1.87 $3.04 
Diluted earnings per common share$0.96 $1.85 $3.01 
















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
126
F-9

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Each of the Three Years Ended December 31, 2022


Common StockAdditional
Paid
in Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total
Stockholders'
Equity Before Noncontrolling Interest
 Noncontrolling InterestTotal
Stockholders'
Equity
Shares OutstandingIssued Shares - Par Value
(in thousands, except share data)Class AClass BClass AClass BTreasury Stock
Balance at December 31, 202028,806,344 9,036,352 $2,882 $904 $305,569 $— $442,402 $31,664 $783,421 $— $783,421 
Conversion of stock8,047,564 (8,471,120)805 (847)42 — — — — — — 
Repurchase of Class A common stock(1,175,119)— — — — (36,332)— — (36,332)— (36,332)
Repurchase of Class B common stock— (565,232)— — — (9,563)— — (9,563)— (9,563)
Treasury stock retired— — (118)(57)(45,720)45,895 — — — — — 
Restricted stock issued252,503 — 25 — (25)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for restricted stock unit vesting45,586 — — (5)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for performance shares unit vesting1,729 — — — — — — — — — — 
Restricted stock surrendered(66,491)— (7)— (2,136)— — — (2,143)— (2,143)
Restricted stock forfeited(28,796)— (3)— — — — — — — 
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 4,782 — — — 4,782 — 4,782 
Dividends declared— — — — — — (2,156)— (2,156)— (2,156)
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.— — — — — — 112,921 — 112,921 — 112,921 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling-interest shareholders— — — — — — — — — (2,610)(2,610)
Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — (16,447)(16,447)— (16,447)
Balance at December 31, 202135,883,320 — $3,589 $— $262,510 $— $553,167 $15,217 $834,483 $(2,610)$831,873 
Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting principle, net of tax— — — — — — (13,872)— (13,872)— (13,872)
Repurchase of Class A common stock(2,255,005)— — — — (72,060)— — (72,060)— (72,060)
Transfer of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest— — — — (1,867)— — — (1,867)1,867 — 
Treasury stock retired— — (226)— (71,834)72,060 — — — — — 
Restricted stock issued175,601 18 — (18)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for restricted stock unit vesting33,349 — — (3)— — — — — — 
Restricted stock surrendered(17,768)— (2)— (1,061)— — — (1,063)— (1,063)
Restricted stock forfeited(39,673)— (4)— — — — — — — 
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan35,337 1,175 1,179 1,179 
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 5,788 — — — 5,788 — 5,788 
Dividends Paid— — — — — — (12,230)— (12,230)— (12,230)
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.— — — — — — 63,310 — 63,310 — 63,310 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling-interest shareholders— — — — — — — — — (1,347)(1,347)
Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — (95,852)(95,852)— (95,852)
Balance at December 31, 202233,815,161 — $3,382 $— $194,694 $— $590,375 $(80,635)$707,816 $(2,090)$705,726 
Repurchase of Class A common stock(259,853)— — — — (4,933)— — (4,933)— (4,933)
Treasury stock retired— — (26)— (4,907)4,933 — — — — — 
Restricted stock issued10,440 — (1)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for restricted stock unit vesting65,526 — — (7)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for performance shares unit vesting10,621 — — (1)— — — — — — 
Restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance stock units surrendered(53,607)— (5)— (1,422)— — — (1,427)— (1,427)
Restricted Stock forfeited(41,973)— (4)— — — — — — — 
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan56,927 — — 1,357 — — — 1,362 — 1,362 
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 6,775 — — — 6,775 — 6,775 
Dividends Paid— — — — — — (12,063)— (12,063)— (12,063)
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.— — — — — — 32,490 — 32,490 — 32,490 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling-interest shareholders— — — — — — — — — (1,701)(1,701)
Transfer of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest— — — — (3,791)— — — (3,791)3,791 — 
Other comprehensive income— — — — — — — 9,839 9,839 — 9,839 
Balance at December 31, 202333,603,242 — $3,361 $— $192,701 $— $610,802 $(70,796)$736,068 $— $736,068 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income before attribution of noncontrolling interest$30,789 $61,963 $110,311 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses61,277 13,945 (16,500)
Net premium amortization on securities and other short-term investments4,850 8,537 12,596 
Depreciation and amortization6,842 5,883 7,269 
Stock-based compensation expense6,775 5,788 4,782 
Losses on loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value43,057 159 — 
Loans on sale of repossessed assets2,649 — — 
Impairment on investment carried at cost1,963 — — 
Change in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance(5,173)(5,406)(5,459)
Securities losses (gains), net10,989 3,689 (3,740)
Derivative gains, net(28)(455)— 
(Gain) loss on sale of loans, net(4,355)320 (4,276)
Net gain on sale of headquarters building— — (62,387)
Net loss on sale of premises and equipment— — 71 
Deferred taxes and others(5,508)4,998 6,000 
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of advances from the FHLB, net(40,084)(10,678)2,488 
Proceeds from sales and repayments of mortgage loans originated for sale (at fair value)286,504 143,082 20,859 
Originations and purchases of mortgage loans originated for sale (at fair value)(343,524)(286,715)(35,108)
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accrued interest receivable and other assets(34,449)(15,348)(4,432)
Account payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities4,147 21,078 34,957 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities26,721 (49,160)67,431 
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of investment securities:
Available for sale(264,094)(266,667)(425,864)
Held to maturity— (140,028)(100,403)
Federal Home Loan Bank stock(83,119)(38,044)(4,565)
   Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading(2,500)(12,656)— 
(349,713)(457,395)(530,832)
Maturities, sales, calls, paydowns and redemptions of investment securities:
Available for sale104,191 246,394 446,436 
Held to maturity14,718 15,354 39,695 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock88,400 29,964 22,110 
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading11,168 252 23,470 
218,477 291,964 531,711 
Net proceeds from sale of headquarters building— — 132,360 
Net (increase) decrease in loans(509,687)(1,311,608)93,321 
Proceeds from loan portfolio sales109,224 84,029 166,329 
Purchase of bank owned life insurance(65,015)— — 
Purchases of premises and equipment and others(10,933)(10,629)(6,577)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment535 — 28 
Proceeds from sales of repossessed assets and other real estate owned2,464 6,393 16 
Cash paid in business acquisition, net(1,970)— (1,037)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(606,618)(1,397,246)385,319 
Cash flows from financing activities
Net increase in demand, savings and money market accounts281,822 1,022,913 602,950 
Net increase (decrease) in time deposits568,842 390,415 (703,722)
Proceeds from advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank1,955,000 1,130,000 485,500 
Repayments of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank(2,176,977)(1,024,322)(729,618)
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated notes, net of issuance costs— 29,146 — 
Repurchase of common stock - Class A(4,933)(72,060)(36,332)
Dividends paid(12,063)(12,230)— 
Repurchase of common stock - Class B— — (9,563)
Disbursements arising from stock based compensation, net(523)(1,063)(2,143)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities611,168 1,462,799 (392,928)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash31,271 16,393 59,822 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period290,601 274,208 214,386 
End of period$321,872 $290,601 $274,208 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-11

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows




Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid:
Interest$211,769 $67,295 $46,327 
Income taxes24,966 27,537 14,538 
Initial recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets— — 55,670 
Initial recognition of operating lease liabilities— — 56,024 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease obligations12,001 8,887 91,797 
Noncash investing activities:
Surrender of bank owned life insurance receivable from former insurance carrier63,628 — — 
Mortgage loans held for sale (at fair value) transferred to loans held for investment98,918 96,233 — 
Loans held for sale (at lower cost or fair value) transferred to loans held for investment— 65,802 — 
Loans held for investment transferred to loans held for sale (at lower of fair value or cost)449,563 — 256,154 
Net transfers from premises and equipments to operating lease right-of-use assets— — 69,931 
Loans transferred to other assets26,534 — 9,400 















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-12

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
a) Business
Amerant Bancorp Inc (the “Company”) is a Florida corporation incorporated in 1985, which has operated since January 1987. The Company is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (“BHC Act”), as a result of its 100% ownership of Amerant Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”). The Company’s principal office is in the City of Coral Gables, Florida. The Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (“Federal Reserve ”) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”). The Bank is a national bank subject to regulation and regular examinations by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”). The Bank has three operating subsidiaries: Amerant Investments, Inc., a securities broker-dealer (“Amerant Investments”), Amerant Mortgage, LLC (“Amerant Mortgage”), a mortgage lending company domiciled in Florida (“Amerant Mortgage”) and Elant Bank & Trust Ltd., a Grand-Cayman based trust company (the “Cayman Bank”).

The Bank has been serving the communities in which it operates for over 40 years. The Bank has 23 Banking Centers, including 16 located in South Florida, six in the Greater Houston area, Texas, and one in Tampa, Fl. As the main operating subsidiary of the Company, the Bank offers a wide variety of domestic, international, personal and commercial banking services. Investment, trust, fiduciary and wealth management services are provided through the Bank’s operating subsidiaries Amerant Investments and the Cayman Bank. Amerant Mortgage offers a full complement of residential lending solutions including conventional, government, construction, Jumbo loans, and other residential lending product offerings. The Company’s main activities are concentrated in its primary markets, with domestic customers located within those markets, and with international customers mainly located in Latin America. The Company does not have any significant concentrations to any one customer.

In May 2021, the Company incorporated a new wholly owned subsidiary, Amerant SPV, LLC, or Amerant SPV. From time to time, the Company may evaluate select opportunities to invest and acquire non-controlling interests, through Amerant SPV, in companies it partners with, or may acquire non-controlling interests of fintech and specialty finance companies that the Company believes will be strategic or accretive. In addition, through Amerant SPV, we may also invest in companies and funds that invest in technology companies that are developing solutions aimed at allowing financial institutions and community banks to more effectively compete and serve their customers.

The Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.10 per common share (the “Common Stock”) was listed and traded on the The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) Global Select Market under the symbol “AMTB” until August 28, 2023. On August 3, 2023, the Company provided written notice to Nasdaq of its determination to voluntarily withdraw the principal listing of the Company’s Common Stock from Nasdaq and transfer the listing of the Common Stock to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The Company’s Common Stock listing and trading on Nasdaq ended at market close on August 28, 2023, and trading commenced on the NYSE at market open on August 29, 2023 where it continues to trade under the stock symbol “AMTB”.

Restructuring Activities
The Company continues to work at optimizing its operating structure to best support its business activities.

In 2021, the Bank entered into a new multi-year outsourcing agreement with a recognized third party financial technology services provider (the “Financial Technology Services Agreement”). Under the terms of this agreement, the third party has assumed full responsibility over a significant number of the Bank’s former support functions and staff, including certain back-office operations. This new relationship entails transitioning of our core data processing platform and other applications from previous software vendors to those offered by this third party financial technology service provider. This new agreement is expected to allow the Bank to achieve greater operational efficiencies and deliver more advanced solutions and services to our customers. Effective January 1, 2022, there were 80 employees who are no longer working for the Company as a result of this new agreement. The Company completed the transition of its core data processing platform and other applications in the fourth quarter of 2023.

F-13

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Contract termination Costs

In connection with the implementation of the Financial Technology Services Agreement, the Company recorded estimated contract termination and related costs of approximately of $1.6 million and $7.1 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company does not expect to incur significant contract termination costs in the future in connection with the implementation of this agreement.

Other Restructuring Costs

In 2023, the Company recorded severance costs of approximately $4.0 million, branch closure expenses and related charges of $2.3 million, consulting and other professional fees and software expenses totaling of $6.4 million and a charge of $1.4 million related to the disposition of fixed assets due to the write off of in-development software.

In 2022, the Company recorded severance costs of approximately $3.0 million, consulting and other professional fees of $3.6 million and branch closure expenses and related charges of $1.6 million.
Severance costs are included in “salaries and employees benefits expense” in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
Optimizing Capital Structure
Subordinated Notes. On March 9, 2022, the Company completed a $30.0 million offering of subordinated notes with a 4.25% fixed-to-floating rate and due on March 15, 2032 (the “Subordinated Notes”). See Note 10-Subordinated Notes, for details.
Stock Repurchases. In March of 2021, the Company announced a repurchase program to purchase up to $40 million of shares of Class B common stock (the “Class B Common Stock Repurchase Program”). In September 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $50 million of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (the “Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program”), and terminated the Class B Common Stock Repurchase Program, previously authorized in March 2021.

In January 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program to repurchase up to $50 million of its shares of Class A common stock (the “New Common Stock Repurchase Program”). Also, in January 2022, the Company announced the completion of the Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program, previously authorized in September 2021. Lastly, in May 2022, the Company announced the completion of the New Common Stock Repurchase Program, previously authorized in January 2022.
On December 19, 2022, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may purchase, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $25 million of its shares of Class A common stock (the “2023 Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program”).

In 2023, 2022 and 2021 the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the cancellation of all shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock repurchased in 2023, 2022 and 2021.
See Note 18-Stockholders’ Equity for details on all stock repurchases.
F-14

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Clean-Up Merger. In November 2021, the Company’s shareholders approved a clean-up merger pursuant to which a newly-created subsidiary of the Company, formed with the only purpose of effecting the clean-up merger, merged with and into the Company (the “Clean-Up Merger”). Under the terms of the Clean-up Merger, among other actions, each outstanding share of Class B common stock was converted to 0.95 of a share of Class A common stock without any action on the part of the holders of Class B common stock. See Note 18-Stockholders’ Equity for details on the Clean-Up Merger.
Dividends. In January 2024, and each of the four quarters of 2023 and 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.09 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock. In 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock. See Note 18-Stockholders’ Equity for details on all dividends declared.
Wholly-owned Subsidiaries Mergers
On August 2, 2022, the Company completed an intercompany transaction of entities under common control, pursuant to which the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Amerant Florida Bancorp Inc. (“Amerant Florida”), merged with and into the Company, with the Company as sole survivor (the “Amerant Florida Merger”). In connection with the Amerant Florida Merger, the Company assumed all assets and liabilities of Amerant Florida, including its direct ownership of the Bank, the common capital securities issued by the 5 trust subsidiaries, and the junior subordinated debentures issued by Amerant Florida and related agreements. The Amerant Florida Merger had no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations. See Note 11- Junior Subordinated Debentures Held By Trust Subsidiaries for additional information on the common capital securities issued by the five trust subsidiaries, and the junior subordinated debentures.

Changes in Ownership Interest in Amerant Mortgage
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had an ownership interest of 100% and 80% in Amerant Mortgage, respectively. On December 31, 2023, Amerant Mortgage became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company as it increased its ownership interest to 100% effective as of December 31, 2023. This transaction had no material impact to the Company’s results of operations in the year ended December 31, 2023. In connection with the change in ownership interest, which brought the noncontrolling interest share of equity to zero, the Company derecognized the equity attributable to noncontrolling interest of $3.8 million at December 31, 2023, with a corresponding reduction to additional paid-in capital as of that date.

On March 31, 2022, the Company contributed $1.5 million in cash to Amerant Mortgage, increasing its ownership interest to 57.4% as of March 31, 2022 from 51% as of December 31, 2021. In addition, in the three months ended June 30, 2022, the Company increased its ownership interest in Amerant Mortgage to 80% from 57.4% at March 31, 2022. This change was the result of: (i) two former principals of Amerant Mortgage surrendering their interest in Amerant Mortgage to the Company, when they became full time employees of the Bank (the “Transfer of Subsidiary Shares From Noncontrolling Interest”), and (ii) an additional contribution made by the Company of $1 million, in cash, to Amerant Mortgage in the three months ended June 30, 2022. As a result of the Transfer of Subsidiary Shares From Noncontrolling Interest, in the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company reduced its Additional Paid-in Capital by a total of $1.9 million with a corresponding increase to the equity attributable to Noncontrolling Interest.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Business Acquisition
On January 13, 2023 (the “ 2023 Acquisition Date”), Amerant Mortgage completed the acquisition of certain assets and the assumption of certain liabilities of F&B Acquisition Group LLC (“F&B”), including access to an assembled workforce and other identifiable intangibles which collectively constituted a business (the “F&B Acquisition.”) The F&B Acquisition was recorded as a business acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of approximately $2.0 million was paid in cash and included the fair value of certain loans held for sale of $1.0 million. Upon completion of the purchase price allowance in the forth quarter of 2023, the Company determined there was no contingent consideration required to be included as part of purchase price.The Company recorded goodwill of $1.0 million, which represented the excess of the initial purchase price over the estimated fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired, net of the liabilities assumed.

On May 12, 2021 (the “Acquisition Date”), Amerant Mortgage completed the acquisition of First Mortgage Company (“FMC”). Amerant Mortgage and FMC were ultimately merged, allowing Amerant Mortgage to operate its business nationally with direct access to federal housing agencies. We refer to these transactions as the “FMC Acquisition.” The FMC Acquisition was recorded as a business acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of approximately $1.0 million was paid in cash and represented the fair value of $0.5 million in mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) acquired, plus a premium of $0.5 million. No liabilities were assumed in the transaction. The Company allocated the premium paid on the purchase to an indefinite-lived intangible license which was recorded at its fair value of $0.5 million as of the Acquisition Date. The MSRs and premium assigned to an intangible asset were recorded in “Other assets” in the consolidated balance sheets. The transaction resulted in no goodwill.
Naming Rights

In September 2023, the Company acquired exclusive naming rights to an arena in Broward County, Florida. The naming rights have been recorded as an intangible asset with an offsetting liability for related payments to be made in the future. The naming rights intangible asset is included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The naming rights liability is included as part of other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Amerant SPV Investments

The Company, through Amerant SPV, has invested in equity and non-equity instruments issued by Marstone, Inc (“Marstone”), a digital wealth management fintech it has partnered with to provide digital wealth management and financial planning capabilities to new and existing customers. In connection with the equity investment, in November 2021, Gerald P. Plush, our Company’s Chairman, President & CEO, was appointed to Marstone’s Board of Directors as one of its seven individual members. In July 2023, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer replaced Mr. Plush in the role, and does not have individual power to control or direct the operations of Marstone. The Company’s equity investment in Marstone represents less than 5% of its voting power. In addition, the Company considers it does not have a variable interest in Marstone. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s investments in Marstone include equity investments of $0.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and non-equity investments of $1.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively. In 2023, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2.0 million related to its equity investments in Marstone.

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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021


In October 2021, the Company invested $2.5 million in an equity instrument issued by Raistone Financial Corp (“Raistone”), a financial technology solutions provider launched in 2017 that offers working capital financing solutions. This equity investment represents less than 5% of Raistone’s voting power. In addition, the Company considers it does not have a variable interest in Raistone. There were no additional investments in Raistone in 2023 and 2022.
In December 2021, the Company became a strategic lead investor in the JAM FINTOP Blockchain fund (the “JAM FINTOP Fund”), with an initial commitment of approximately $5.4 million that may be expanded to $9.8 million should the Fund increase to its maximum target size of $200 million. Initially, the JAM FINTOP Fund will focus its investments on the blockchain “infrastructure layer” that will help regulated financial institutions compliantly operate blockchain-powered applications in areas such as lending, payments, and exchanges. As a strategic lead investor in the JAM FINTOP Fund, the Company expects to have access and become an early adopter of this transformational technology. At December 31, 2023 and 2022 the investment in the JAM FINTOP Fund amounts to $1.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
In May 2023, the Company became an investor in the Black Dragon Fund (“Black Dragon”). At December 31, 2023, the investment in Black Dragon amounted to $1.0 million.
These investments in Marstone, Raistone, Black Dragon and the Fund are recorded at their original cost and are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in other assets. The Company reviews these investments periodically for deterioration. At December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, other than the impairment charge discussed above in connection with the Company's investments in Marstone, the Company considers these investments are not deteriorated and did not record an impairment charge as a result.
Bank Owned Life Insurance
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company completed a restructuring of its bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) program. This was executed through a combination of a 1035 exchange and a surrender and reinvestment into a higher-yielding general account with a new investment grade insurance carrier. This transaction allowed for higher team member participation through an enhanced split-dollar plan. Estimated improved yields resulting from the enhancement have an earn-back period of approximately 2 years. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recorded total additional expenses and charges of $4.6 million in connection with this transaction, including: (i) a reduction of $0.7 million to the cash surrender value of BOLI; (ii) transaction costs of $1.1 million, included as part of other operating expenses, and (iii) income tax expense of $2.8 million. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, the Company had a receivable from the prior insurance carrier for $62.5 million in connection with the restructuring of the Company’s BOLI in the fourth quarter of 2023, which was included as part of other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company collected in full this receivable from the prior insurance carrier in February 2024.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On June 8, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the Amerant Bancorp Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP” or the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is to provide eligible employees of the Company and its designated subsidiaries with the opportunity to acquire a stock ownership interest in the Company on favorable terms and to pay for such acquisitions through payroll deductions. All named executive officers, and all other executive officers of the Company who were eligible as of the enrollment deadline for the first offering period elected to participate in the Plan. See Note 14-Incentive Compensation and Benefit Plans for more details on the ESPP.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices
The consolidated financial statements and related consolidated financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and practices within the banking industry, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical Dollars without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.
Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. However, inflation also affects a financial institution by increasing its cost of goods and services purchased, as well as the cost of salaries and benefits, occupancy expense, and similar items. Inflation and related increases in interest rates generally decrease the market value of investments and loans held and may adversely affect liquidity, earnings, and shareholders’ equity. Loan originations and re-financings also tend to slow as interest rates increase, and higher interest rates may reduce a financial institution’s earnings from such origination activities. Similarly, lower inflation and rate decreases increase the fair value of securities and loan origination and refinancing tend to accelerate.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We may engage in a variety of financial transactions in the ordinary course of business that, under GAAP, may not be recorded on the balance sheet. Those transactions may include contractual commitments to extend credit in the ordinary course of our business activities to meet the financing needs of customers. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets. These commitments are legally binding agreements to lend money at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time and generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. We use the same credit and collateral policies in making these credit commitments as we do for on-balance sheet instruments.
We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis and obtain collateral, if necessary, based on our credit evaluation of the borrower. In addition to commitments to extend credit, we also issue standby letters of credit that are commitments to a third-party in specified amounts of payment or performance, if our customer fails to meet its contractual obligation to the third-party. The credit risk involved in the underwriting of letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending credit to customers.
The following table shows the outstanding balance of our off-balance sheet arrangements as of the end of the periods presented. Except as disclosed below, we are not involved in any other off-balance sheet contractual relationships that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, a change in our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
(in thousands)(in thousands)202020192018
Commitments to extend creditCommitments to extend credit$763,880 $820,380 $923,424 
Credit card facilities (1)
— — 198,500 
Commitments to extend credit
Commitments to extend credit
Letters of creditLetters of credit11,157 17,414 27,232 
$775,037 $837,794 $1,149,156 
Letters of credit
Letters of credit
$
$
$
__________________
(1)     We phased out our legacyCommitments to extend credit card products to further strengthen overall credit quality. In April 2019, the Company stopped the charging privileges to our smallest and riskiest cardholders and required repayment of their balances by November 2019. Other cardholders’ charging privileges ended in October 2019 and they were required to repay all balances by January 2020. During the first quarter of 2020, the remaining balances related to the credit card product were repaid, therefore, there are no outstanding credit card balancesincreased $140.1 million, or 12.0%, as of December 31, 2020. As a result2023 compared to December 31, 2022. This was mainly driven by an increase in commercial and industrial loan commitments.
The Company uses interest rate swaps and other derivative instruments as part of these actions, the Company no longer carries off-balance sheet credit risk associated with its former credit card programs.
normal business operations.
See

Footnote 12- Derivatives to our consolidated financial statements for details.
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Contractual Obligations
In the normal course of business, we and our subsidiaries enter into various contractual obligations that may require future cash payments. Significant commitments for future cash obligations include capital expenditures related to real estateoperating leases, certain binding agreements we have entered into for services including outsourcing of technology services, advertising and equipment operating leasesother services, and other borrowing arrangements.arrangements which are not material to our liquidity needs. We currently anticipate that our available funds, credit facilities, and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our operational cash needs for the foreseeable future. Other than the changes discussed herein, there have been no material changes to the contractual obligations previously disclosed in the 2022 Form 10-K.
The table below summarizes, by remaining maturity, our significant contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2020.2023. Amounts in this table reflect the minimum contractual obligation under legally enforceable contracts with terms that are both fixed and determinable. Our operating lease obligations are not reflected in our consolidated balance sheets in accordance with current accounting guidance. All other contractual cash obligations on this table are reflected in our consolidated balance sheet.
As of December 31, 2020,2023 we had the following contractual cash obligations:
Payments Due Date
Payments Due DatePayments Due Date
(in thousands)(in thousands)TotalLess than one yearOne to three yearsOver three to five yearsMore than five years(in thousands)TotalLess than one yearOne to three yearsOver three to five yearsMore than five years
Operating lease obligationsOperating lease obligations$62,989 $8,193 $12,797 $10,016 $31,983 
Operating lease obligations
Operating lease obligations
Time deposits
Time deposits
Time depositsTime deposits2,041,562 1,359,022 591,231 75,363 15,946 
Borrowings:Borrowings:
FHLB advancesFHLB advances1,050,000 — 120,000 310,000 620,000 
FHLB advances
FHLB advances
Senior notesSenior notes58,577 — — 58,577 — 
Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated debenturesJunior subordinated debentures64,178 — — — 64,178 
Contractual interest payments (1)
Contractual interest payments (1)
153,746 41,229 45,808 25,570 41,139 
$3,431,052 $1,408,444 $769,836 $479,526 $773,246 
$
__________________
(1)    Calculated assuming a constant interest rate as of December 31, 2020.
In December 2018, the FASB issued amendments to new guidance issued in February 2016 for the recognition and measurement of all leases which has not yet been adopted by the Company. In May 2020, the FASB issued guidance delaying the effective date. The Company has completed the process of gathering a complete inventory of its lease contracts, migrating identified lease data onto a new system, and is in the final stages of testing and evaluating the results of testing. Based on these results, we currently expect to recognize an asset and a corresponding lease liability for an amount to be less than 1% of the Company’s total consolidated assets at adoption. The Company plans to adopt the new guidance in its consolidated financial statements in the first quarter of 2021.2023.
We believe that we will be able to meet our contractual obligations as they come due through the maintenance of adequate liquidity. We expect to maintain adequate liquidity through the results of operations, loan and securities repayments and maturities and continued deposit gathering activities. We also have various borrowing facilities at the Bank to satisfy both short-term and long-term liquidity needs.





In December 2021, the Company became a strategic lead investor in the JAM FINTOP Blockchain fund (the “Fund”). The Company is currently committed to making future contributions to the Fund for a total of $7.5 million at December 31, 2023.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances, results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Accounting policies, as described in detail in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, are an integral part of our financial statements. A thorough understanding of these accounting policies is essential when reviewing our reported results of operations and our financial position. We believe that the critical accounting policies and estimates discussed below require us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Changes in these estimates, that are likely to occur from period to period, or using different estimates that we could have reasonably used in the current period, would have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Securities. Securities generally must be classified as held to maturity, or HTM, debt securities available-for-sale, or AFS, trading or, trading. Beginning in 2019, there is a requirement to classify equity securities with readily available fair values separate from other types of securities.values. Securities classified as HTM are securities we have both the ability and intent to hold until maturity and are carried at amortized cost.cost, less any allowance for credit losses. Trading securities, if we had any, would be held primarily for sale in the near term to generate income. Debt securities that do not meet the definition of trading or HTM are classified as AFS.

The classification of investment securities is significant since it directly impacts the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on these securities. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities, if we had any, and equity securities with readily available fair values, would flow directly through earnings during the periods in which they arise. AFS securities are measured at fair value each reporting period. Unrealized gains and losses on AFS securities are recorded as a separate component of shareholders’ equity (accumulated other comprehensive income or loss) and do not affect earnings until realized or deemed to be OTTI.credit-impaired. Investment securities that are classified as HTM are recorded at amortized cost, unless deemed to be OTTI.and reduced by an estimated amount of expected credit loss during the life of the investment, if any.

We evaluate each AFS and HTMFor debt security when itssecurities available for sale, the Company evaluates whether: (i) the fair value falls belowof the securities is less than the amortized cost basiscosts basis; (ii) it intends to determine if it is other-than-temporary. When an investment in a debt security is considered to be OTTI, the cost basis of the individual investment security is written down through earnings by an amount that corresponds to the credit component of the OTTI. In determining whether an impairment is other than temporary, we consider the severity and duration of the decline in fair value, the length of time expected for recovery, the financial condition of the issuer, and other qualitative factors, as well as whether we either plan to sell, the security or it is more-likely-than-notmore likely than not that weit will be required to sell, the security before recovery of theits amortized cost. For AFS debt securities we intend to hold, an analysis is performed to determine how much ofcost basis, and (iii) the decline in fair value maybehas resulted from credit losses or other factors. The Company estimates credit losses on debt securities available for sale using a discounted cash flow model. The present value of an impaired debt security results from estimating future cash flows that are expected to be collected, discounted at the debt security’s effective interest rate. The Company develops its estimates about cash flows expected to be collected and determines whether a credit loss exists, generally using information about past events, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and other qualitative factors including the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost basis, adverse conditions specifically related to the issuer’ssecurity, industry or geographic area, changes in conditions of any collateral underlying the securities, changes in credit and how muchratings, failure of the issuer to make scheduled payments, among other qualitative factors specific to the applicable security. If a credit loss exists, the Company records an allowance for the credit losses, limited to the amount by which the fair value is related to market factors (e.g., interest rates). If any ofless than the amortized cost basis. The Company recognizes in AOCI/AOCL a decline in fair value over the carrying amount of AFS securities that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses.

Debt securities available for sale are charged off to the extent that there is dueno reasonable expectation of recovery of amortized cost basis. Debt securities available for sale are placed on non-accrual status if the Company does not reasonably expect to a deteriorationreceive interest payments in the issuer’s credit, an OTTI lossfuture and interest accrued is recognized in the Consolidated Statementsreversed against interest income. Securities are returned to accrual status only when collection of Operations for that amount. If anyinterest is reasonably assured.
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Table of the decline in fair value is related to market factors, that amount remains in AOCI for AFS debt securities. In certain instances, the credit loss may exceed the total decline in fair value, in which case, the difference is due to market factors and is recognized as an unrealized gain in AOCI. If we intend to sell or believes it is more-likely-than-not that it will be required to sell the debt security, it is written down to fair value as an OTTI loss.Contents

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. We are, under applicable accounting guidance, required to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in measuring fair value. We classify fair value measurements of financial instruments based on the three-level fair value hierarchy in the guidance. We carry mortgage loans, AFS debt and other securities, BOLI policies and derivative assets and liabilities at fair value. From time to time, we also have loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value.

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The fair values of assets and liabilities may include adjustments for various factors, such as market liquidity and credit quality, where appropriate. Valuations of products using models or other techniques are sensitive to assumptions used for the significant inputs. Where market data is available, the inputs used for valuation reflect that information as of our valuation date. Inputs to valuation models are considered unobservable if they are supported by little or no market activity. In periods of extreme volatility, lessened liquidity or in illiquid markets, there may be more variability in market pricing or a lack of market data to use in the valuation process. In keeping with the prudent application of estimates and management judgment in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities, we have in place various processes and controls including validation controls, for which we utilize both broker and pricing service inputs. Data from these services may include both market-observable and internally-modeled values and/or valuation inputs. Our reliance on this information is affected by our understanding of how the broker and/or pricing service develops its data with a higher degree of reliance applied to those that are more directly observable and lesser reliance applied to those developed through their own internal modeling. Similarly, broker quotes that are executable are given a higher level of reliance than indicative broker quotes, which are not executable. These processes and controls are performed independently of the business. For additional information, see Note 18 of our audited consolidated financial statements.

Allowance for Loan Losses. Credit Losses

The allowance
In 2022, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 326 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326), which replaced the incurred loss methodology for estimated probable loan losses representswith an estimate ofexpected credit loss methodology that is referred to as the current amount of principal that we will be unlikely to collect given facts and circumstancesexpected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. The Company adopted the CECL guidance as of the evaluation date,beginning of the reporting period of adoption, January 1, 2022, using a modified retrospective approach for all its financial assets measured at amortized cost and includes amounts arisingoff-balance sheet credit exposures.
Under the CECL accounting guidance, the Allowance for Credit Losses, or ACL, is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of financial assets, including loans individuallyheld for investments and collectively evaluateddebt securities held to maturity, to present the net amount that is expected to be collected throughout the life of those financial assets. The estimated ACL is recorded through a provision for impairment. Loancredit losses are charged against income. Management periodically evaluates the allowance when we believe the un-collectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. We estimate the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volumeadequacy of the ACL to maintain it at a level it believes to be reasonable. The Company uses the same methods used to determine the ACL to assess any reserves needed for off-balance sheet credit risks such as unfunded loan commitments and contingent obligations on letters of credit. These reserves for off-balance sheet credit risks are presented in the liabilities section in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company develops and documents its methodology to determine the ACL at the portfolio segment level.The Company determines its loan portfolio segments based on the type of loans it carries and their associated risk characteristics. The measurement of expected credit losses considers information about specific borrower situationshistorical events, current conditions, reasonable and estimated collateral values, economic conditions,supportable forecasts and other relevant information. Determining the amount of the ACL is complex and requires extensive judgment by management about matters that are inherently uncertain. Re-evaluation of the ACL estimate in future periods, in light of changes in composition and characteristics of the loan portfolio, changes in the reasonable and supportable forecast and other factors to ensure the current allowance balance is maintained at a reasonable level to provide for recognized and unrecognized but inherent lossesthen prevailing may result in material changes in the loan portfolio.
Allocationsamount of the allowance are made for loans considered to be individually impaired, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that,ACL and credit loss expense in management’s judgment, should be charged-off. Amounts are charged-off when available information confirms that specific loans or portions thereof, are uncollectible. This methodology for determining charge-offs is applied consistently to each segment.those future periods.

We determine
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Expected credit losses are estimated on a separate allowancecollective basis for losses for each loan portfolio segment. The allowance for loan losses consistsgroups of specific and general reserves. Specific reserves relate to loans that share similar risk characteristics. Factors that may be considered in aggregating loans for this purpose include but are individually classifiednot necessarily limited to, product or collateral type, industry, geography, internal risk rating, credit characteristics such as impaired. A loan is impaired when, basedcredit scores or collateral values, and historical or expected credit loss patterns. For loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans such as collateral dependent loans and modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, expected credit losses are estimated on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according toan individual basis.
Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual terms of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments. Expected prepayments for commercial and commercial real estate loans are generally estimated based on the Company's historical experience. For residential loans, expected prepayments are estimated using a model that incorporates industry prepayment data, calibrated to reflect the Company's experience. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications unless either of the following applies: management has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date a modification related to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty will be executed, or the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company.
With respect to modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, a change to the ACL is generally not recorded upon modification since the effect of these modifications is already included in the ACL given the measurement methodologies used to estimate the ACL. From time to time, the Company modifies loans by providing principal forgiveness on certain of its real estate loans. When principal forgiveness is provided, the amortized cost basis of the asset is written off against the ACL. The amount of the principal forgiveness is deemed to be uncollectible; therefore, that portion of the loan agreement. Factorsis written off, resulting in a reduction of the amortized cost basis and a corresponding adjustment to the ACL.
For the largest portfolio segments, including commercial and commercial real estate loans, expected credit losses are estimated using probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) bottom-up approach, which derives the expected losses from borrower's and market or industry specific risk characteristics. For smaller-balance homogeneous loans with similar risk characteristics, including residential, consumer and small business loans, the models estimate lifetime loan losses based on the portfolio’s historical behavior. In order to incorporate forward-looking expectations, the ACL for these portfolios is adjusted based on macroeconomic factors proven to have effects on the performance of the credit quality of each respective portfolio. The models incorporate a probability-weighted blend of macroeconomic scenarios by ingesting numerous national, regional and metropolitan statistical area (“MSA”) level variables and data points. Some of the more impactful include both current and forecasted unemployment rates, home price index, CRE property forecasts, stock market and market volatility indices, real gross domestic product growth, and a variety of interest rates and spreads. The macroeconomic forecast process is complex and varies from period to period and therefore may results in increased volatility in the ACL and earnings.

All loss estimates are conditioned as applicable on changes in current conditions and the reasonable and supportable economic forecast. Additionally, the Company makes qualitative adjustments to the ACL when, based on management’s judgment, there are factors impacting expected credit losses not taken into account by the quantitative calculations. Potential qualitative adjustments include economic factors, including material trends and developments that, in management's judgment, may not have been considered in determining impairment include payment status,the reasonable and supportable economic forecast, credit policy and staffing, including the nature and level of policy and procedural exceptions or changes in credit policy not reflected in quantitative results, changes in the quality of underwriting and portfolio management and staff and issues identified by credit review, internal audit or regulators that may not be reflected in quantitative results, concentrations, considering whether the quantitative estimate adequately accounts for concentration risk in the portfolio, model imprecision and model validation findings; and other factors not adequately considered in the quantitative estimate or other qualitative categories identified by management that may materially impact the amount of expected credit losses.

The Company expects to collect the amortized cost basis of government insured residential loans due to the nature of the government guarantee and, therefore generally have no expected credit losses.

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Expected credit losses on loans to borrowers that are domiciled in foreign countries, primarily loans in the Consumer and Financial Institutions portfolios are generally estimated by assessing the any available cash or other types of collateral, value and the probability of collecting all amountslosses arising from the Company’s exposure to those collateral assets. Loans in this portfolio are generally fully collateralized with cash, securities and other assets and, therefore, generally have no expected credit losses.

Commercial real estate, commercial and financial institution loans are charged off against the ACL when due. Measurementthey are considered uncollectable. These loans are considered uncollectable when a loss becomes evident to management, which generally occurs when the following conditions are present, among others: (1) a loan or portions of impairment is based ona loan are classified as “loss” in accordance with the excessinternal risk grading system; (2) a collection attorney has provided a written statement indicating that a loan or portions of a loan are considered uncollectible; and (3) the carrying value of a collateral-dependent loan exceeds the loan over the presentappraised value of expected future cash flowsthe asset held as collateral. Consumer and other retail loans are charged off against the ACL at the measurement date,earlier of (1) when management becomes aware that a loss has occurred, or (2) beginning effective as of December 31, 2022, when closed-end retail loans become past due 90 days (120 previously) or open-end retail loans become past due 180 days from the contractual due date. For open and closed-end retail loans secured by residential real estate, any outstanding loan balance in excess of the fair value of the collateral in the case whereproperty, less cost to sell, is charged off no later than when the loan is considered collateral-dependent. We select180 days past due from the measurement method oncontractual due date. Consumer and other retail loans may not be charged off when management can clearly document that a loan-by-loan basis exceptpast due loan is well secured and in the process of collection such that collateral-dependent loans for which foreclosure is probable are measured at the fair valuecollection will occur regardless of the collateral.delinquency status in accordance with regulatory guidelines applicable to these types of loans.

We recognizeRecoveries on loans represent collections received on amounts that were previously charged off against the ACL. Recoveries are credited to the ACL when received, to the extent of the amount previously charged off against the ACL on the related loan. Any amounts collected in excess of this limit are first recognized as interest income, on impaired loans based on our existing methodthen as a reduction of recognizing interest income on nonaccrual loans. Loans, generally classifiedcollection costs, and then as impaired loans, for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered TDRs with measurement of impairment as described above.

If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral.

General reserves cover non-individually-impaired loans and are based on historical loss rates for each loan portfolio segment, adjusted for the effects of qualitative factors that in management’s opinion are likely to cause estimated credit losses as of the evaluation date to differ from the portfolio segment’s historical loss experience. Qualitative factors include consideration of the following: changes in lending policies and procedures; changes in economic conditions, changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio; changes in the experience, ability and depth
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of lending management and other relevant staff; changes in the volume and severity of past due balances, nonaccrual and other adversely graded loans; changes in the loan review system; changes in the value of the underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans; concentrations of credit and the effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements.

The Company considered the impact of COVID-19 on the significant estimates’ management used. The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $88.6 million in 2020, including $38.3 million mostly related to the estimated deterioration of our loan portfolio caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company released $3.2 million from the allowance for loan losses in 2019.

Concentrations of credit risk can affect the level of the allowance and may involve loans to one borrower, borrowers engaged in or dependent upon the same industry, or a group of borrowers whose loans are predicated on the same type of collateral. In addition, we are subject to a geographic concentration of credit because we primarily operate in South Florida, the greater Houston, Texas area and the New York City area.

Our estimate for the allowance for loan losses is sensitive to the loss rates from our loan portfolio segments. For each one-percent increase in the loss rates on loans collectively evaluated for impairment in our CRE loans and commercial loans portfolio segments, the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2020 would have increased by approximately $1.0 million.

These sensitivity analyses do not represent management’s expectations of the deterioration in risk ratings or the increases in loss rates but are provided as hypothetical scenarios to assess the sensitivity of the allowance for loan and lease losses to changes in key inputs. We believe the risk ratings and loss severities currently in use are appropriate.

The process of determining the level of the allowance for credit losses requires a high degree of judgment. It is possible that others, given the same information, may at any point in time reach different reasonable conclusions.income.

Goodwill. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is likely an impairment has occurred. We have applied significant judgment for annual goodwill impairment testing purposes. Our Treasury and Financial Planning and Analysis units provide significant support for the developmentThe Company recorded goodwill impairment of judgments and assumptions used for$1.3 million in 2023 as a result of this evaluation. Based on this evaluation, we concluded goodwill was not considered impaired as of December 31, 2020. Future negative changes may result in potential impairments in future periods.

Determining the fair value of the reporting unit to which goodwill is allocated to (the Company as a whole since we report using a single-segment concept) is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant management judgment and the use of subjective measurements. Variability in the market and changes in assumptions or subjective measurements used to determine fair value are reasonably possible and may have a material impact on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

Deferred Income Taxes. We use the balance sheet method of accounting for income taxes as prescribed by GAAP. Under this method, DTAs and deferred tax liabilities, or DTLs, are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the DTAs a valuation allowance is established. DTAs and DTLs are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Accounting for deferred income taxes is a critical accounting estimate because we exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities. Management’s determination of the realization of DTAs is based upon management’s judgment of various future events and uncertainties, including the timing and amount of future income, reversing temporary differences which may offset, and the implementation of various tax plans to maximize realization of the DTAs. These judgments and estimates are inherently subjective and reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record a valuation allowance against our DTAs. A DTA valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in such period, which would negatively affect
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earnings. Conversely, the reversal of a valuation allowance previously recorded against a DTA would result in lower tax expense.

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Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. We have evaluated new accounting pronouncements that have recently been issued and have determined that certain of these new accounting pronouncements should be described in this section because, upon their adoption, there could be a significant impact to our operations, financial condition or liquidity in future periods. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company adopted new accounting guidance on current expected credit losses, or CECL with retroactive application as of January 1, 2022, the beginning of the adoption period. Please refer to Note 1 of our audited consolidated financial statements in this Form-10K for a detailed discussion of theseCECL and other recently issued accounting pronouncements that have been adopted by us that will require enhanced disclosures in our financial statements in future periods.
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Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We believe interest rate and price risks are the most significant market risks impacting us. We monitor and evaluate these risks using sensitivity analyses to measure the effects of changes in market interest rates on earnings, equity and the available for sale portfolio mark-to-market exposure. Exposures are managed to a set of limits previously approved by our boardBoard of directorsDirectors and monitored by management.

Our market risk is jointly monitored by the Treasury unit, which reports to our Chief Financial Officer, and the Market Risk and Analytics unit, which reports to our Chief Risk Officer. Their primary responsibilities are identifying, measuring, monitoring and controlling interest rate and liquidity risks and balance sheet asset/liability management, or ALM. It also assesses and monitors the price risk of the Bank’s investment activities, which represents the risk to earnings and capital arising from changes in the fair market value of our investment portfolio.
Among its duties, the Treasury and Market Risk and Analytics units performs the following functions:
maintains a comprehensive market risk and ALM framework;
measures and monitors market risk and ALM across the organization to ensure that they are within approved risk limits and reports to ALCO and to the boardBoard of directors;Directors; and
recommends changes to risk limits to the boardBoard of directors.Directors.
We manage and implement our ALM strategies through monthly ALCO meetings. The Chief Business Officer participates in the ALCO meetings. In the ALCO, we discuss, analyze, and decide on the best course of action to implement strategies designed as part of the ALM process.
Market risks taken by the Company are managed using an appropriate mix of marketable securities, wholesale funding and derivative contracts.

Market Risk Measurement
ALM
We use sensitivity analyses as the primary tool to monitor and evaluate market risk, which is comprised of interest rate risk and price risk. Exposures are managed to a set of limits previously approved by our boardBoard of directorsDirectors and monitored by ALCO.
Sensitivity analyses are based on changes in interest rates (both parallel yield curve changes as well as non-parallel), and are performed for several different metrics. They include three types of analyses consistent with industry practices:
earnings sensitivity;
economic value of equity, or EVE; and
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investment portfolio mark-to-market exposure (debt and equity securities available for sale and held to maturity securities).

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The Company continues to be asset sensitive, therefore income is expected to increase when interest rates move higher, and to decrease when interest rates move lower.
The high duration of our balance sheet has led to more sensitivity in the market values of financial instruments (assets and liabilities, including off balance sheet exposures). This sensitivity is captured in the EVE and investment portfolio mark-to-market exposure analyses. In the earnings sensitivity analysis, the opposite occurs. The higher duration will produce higher income today and less income variability during the next 12 months.
We monitor these exposures, and contrast them against limits established by our boardBoard of directors.Directors. Those limits correspond to the capital levels and the capital leverage ratio that we would report taking into consideration the interest rate increase scenarios modeled. Although we model the market price risk of the available for sale securities portfolio, and its projected effects on AOCI or AOCL (a component of stockholders’ equity), the Bank and the Company made an irrevocable election in 2015 to exclude the effects of AOCI or AOCL in the calculation of its regulatory capital ratios, in connection with the adoption of Basel III Capital Rules in the U.S.
Earnings Sensitivity
In this method, the financial instruments (assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet positions) generate interest rate risk exposure from mismatches in maturity and/or repricing given the financial instruments’ characteristics or cash flow behaviors such as pre-payment speeds. This method measures the potential change in our net interest income over the next 12 months, which corresponds to our short term interest rate risk. This analysis subjects a static balance sheet to instantaneous and parallel interest rate shocks to the yield curves for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income. We compare on a monthly basis the effect of the analysis on our net interest income over a one-year period against limits established by our boardBoard of directors.Directors.

The following table shows the sensitivity of our net interest income as a function of modeled interest rate changes:
Change in earnings (1)
December 31,
Change in earnings (1)
Change in earnings (1)
December 31,December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages)20202019(in thousands, except percentages)20232022
Change in Interest Rates (Basis points)Change in Interest Rates (Basis points)
Increase of 200Increase of 200$15,986 7.9 %$14,237 6.9 %
Increase of 200
Increase of 200$20,487 6.1 %$27,580 7.9 %
Increase of 100Increase of 1009,827 4.9 %10,091 4.9 %Increase of 10015,618 4.7 4.7 %18,320 5.3 5.3 %
Decrease of 25(3,507)(1.7)%(4,856)(2.3)%
Decrease of 50Decrease of 50(5,175)(2.6)%— — %
Decrease of 50
(3,923)(1.2)(1.2)%(5,683)(1.6)(1.6)%
Decrease of 100Decrease of 100— — %(20,739)(10.0)%Decrease of 100(10,273)(3.1)(3.1)%(11,548)(3.3)(3.3)%
Decrease of 200Decrease of 200(21,290)(6.3)%(34,279)(9.8)%
__________________
(1) Represents the change in net interest income, and the percentage that change represents of the base scenario net interest income. The base scenario assumes (i) flat interest rates over the next 12 months, (ii) that total financial instrument balances are kept constant over time and (iii) that interest rate shocks are instant and parallel to the yield curve, for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income.

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Net interest income in the base scenario, decreased to approximately $201.0$336.0 million in December 31, 20202023 compared to $207.0$349.0 million in December 31, 2019.2022. This decrease is mainly due to: higher cost of total deposits and borrowings. These decreases were partially offset by: (i) higher floating loan rates on existing loans due to a lowerincrease in market interest rate environment driven byrates repricing higher throughout 2023 and (ii) the emergency rate cuts implemented bygrowth in the Federal Reserve during March 2020 andsize of the global pandemic.The Company continuesbalance sheet as total assets increased $588.5 million or 6.4% in 2023 compared to be asset sensitive, however given more recent market interest rate expectations, management has been taking steps to reduce interest rate sensitivity.2022.

The Company periodically reviews the scenarios used for earnings sensitivity to reflect market conditions.

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Economic Value of Equity Analysis

We use economic value of equity, or EVE, to measure the potential change in the fair value of the Company’s asset and liability positions, and the subsequent potential effects on our economic capital. In the EVE analysis, we calculate the fair value of all assets and liabilities, including off-balance sheet instruments, based on different rate environments (i.e. fair value at current rates against the fair value based on parallel shifts of the yield curves for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income). This analysis measures the long term interest rate risk of the balance sheet.

The following table shows the sensitivity of our EVE as a function of interest rate changes as of the periods presented:
Change in equity (1)
December 31,
20202019
Change in equity (1)
Change in equity (1)
December 31,December 31,
202320232022
Change in Interest Rates (Basis points)Change in Interest Rates (Basis points)
Increase of 200Increase of 200(1.52)%(11.10)%
Increase of 200
Increase of 200(4.66)%(7.97)%
Increase of 100Increase of 1001.37 %(3.86)%Increase of 100(0.38)%(3.06)%
Decrease of 25(0.69)%0.24 %
Decrease of 50Decrease of 50(1.53)%— %Decrease of 503.61 %3.08 %
Decrease of 100 (2)
— %(0.11)%
Decrease of 100Decrease of 1001.83 %4.11 %
Decrease of 200Decrease of 2002.73 %4.95 %
__________________
(1) Represents the percentage of equity change in a static balance sheet analysis assuming interest rate shocks are instant and parallel to the yield curves for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income.
(2) We have discontinued the decrease of 100 basis point shock scenario at December 31, 2020 due to the unlikely scenario at the current low interest rate environment.

The larger positive effects toimprovements in the sensitivity of EVE from changes in interest rates as of December 31, 20202023 for the 200 and 100 basis point increase buckets are principally attributed to the lower average duration of the investment portfolio, higher average duration of FHLB advances, and the unwinding in 2019 of the interest rate swaps we had designated as cash flow hedges.balance sheet becoming more asset sensitive compared to December 31, 2022. During the periods reported, the modeled effects on the EVE remained within established Company risk limits.


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Available for Sale Portfolio mark-to-market exposure

The Company measures the potential change in the market price of its investment portfolio, and the resulting potential change on its equity for different interest rate scenarios. This table shows the result of this test as of December 31, 20202023 and 2019:2022:
Change in market value (1)
Change in market value (1)
December 31,December 31,
(in thousands)(in thousands)20232022
Change in Interest Rates (Basis points)
Change in market value (1)
Increase of 200
December 31,
(in thousands)20202019
Change in Interest Rates
(Basis points)
Increase of 200
Increase of 200Increase of 200$(71,779)$(148,369)
Increase of 100Increase of 100(30,253)(69,956)
Decrease of 257,681 14,008 
Decrease of 50Decrease of 5015,242 — 
Decrease of 100Decrease of 10031,140 53,946 
Decrease of 200
__________________
(1) Represents the amounts by which the investment portfolio mark-to-market would change assuming rate shocks that are instant and parallel to the yield curves for the various interest rates and indices that affect our net interest income.

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The average duration of our investment portfolio decreasedslightly increased to 2.45.0 years at December 31, 20202023 compared to 3.84.9 years at December 31, 2019.The lower2022. The slight increase in duration was primarily the result of higher prepayment expectations coming from our mortage investment holdings.mainly due to lower mortgage-backed securities prepayments. Additionally, the floating rate portfolio slightly increased to 13.6%13.3% at December 31, 20192023 from 12.7%13.2% at December 31, 2019.2022.

We monitor our interest rate exposures monthly through the ALCO, and seek to manage these exposures within limits established by our boardBoard of directors.Directors. Those limits correspond to the capital ratios that we would report taking into consideration the interest increase scenarios modeled. Notwithstanding that our model includes the available for sale securities portfolio, and its projected effect on AOCI or AOCL (a component of shareholders’ equity), we made an irrevocable election in 2015 to exclude the effects of AOCI or AOCL in the calculation of our regulatory capital ratios, in connection with the adoption of Basel III capital rules in the U.S.

Limits Approval Process
The ALCO is responsible for the management of market risk exposures and meets monthly. The ALCO monitors all the Company’s exposures, compares them against specific limits, and takes actions to modify any exposure that the ALCO considers inappropriate based on market expectations or new business strategies, among other factors. The ALCO reviews and recommends market risk limits to our boardBoard of directors.Directors. These limits are reviewed annually or more frequently as believed appropriate, based on various factors, including capital levels and earnings.

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The following table sets forth information regarding our interest rate sensitivity due to the maturities of our interest bearing assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020.2023. This information may not be indicative of our interest rate sensitivity position at other points in time. In addition, ALM considers the distribution of amounts indicated in the table, including the maturity date of fixed-rate instruments, the repricing frequency of variable-rate financial assets and liabilities, and anticipated prepayments on amortizing financial instruments.
December 31, 2020
(in thousands except percentages)TotalLess than one yearOne to three yearsFour to Five YearsMore than five yearsNon-rate
Earning Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$214,386 $184,207 $— $— $— $30,179 
Securities:
Debt available for sale1,225,083 394,330 316,244 260,009 254,500 — 
Debt held to maturity58,127 — — — 58,127 — 
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading24,342 — — — — 24,342 
Federal Reserve and FHLB stock65,015 51,803 — — — 13,212 
Loans portfolio-performing (1)
5,754,637 3,863,512 1,042,486 520,484 328,155 — 
Earning Assets$7,341,590 $4,493,852 $1,358,730 $780,493 $640,782 $67,733 
Liabilities
Interest bearing demand deposits$1,230,054 $1,230,054 $— $— $— $— 
Saving and money market1,587,876 1,587,876 — — — — 
Time deposits2,041,562 1,389,524 574,768 62,569 14,701 — 
FHLB advances1,050,000 530,000 120,000 310,000 90,000 — 
Senior Notes58,577 — — 58,577 — — 
Junior subordinated debentures64,178 64,178 — — — — 
Interest bearing liabilities$6,032,247 $4,801,632 $694,768 $431,146 $104,701 $— 
Interest rate sensitivity gap(307,780)663,962 349,347 536,081 67,733 
Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap(307,780)356,182 705,529 1,241,610 1,309,343 
Earnings assets to interest bearing liabilities (%)93.6 %195.6 %181.0 %612.0 %N/M

December 31, 2023
(in thousands except percentages)TotalLess than one yearOne to three yearsFour to Five YearsMore than five yearsNon-rate
Earning Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$321,872 $246,883 $— $— $— $74,989 
Securities:
Debt available for sale1,217,502 268,654 319,225 170,532 459,091 — 
Debt held to maturity226,645 — — — 226,645 — 
Marketable equity securities2,534 2,534 — — — — 
Federal Reserve and FHLB stock50,294 37,014 — — — 13,280 
Loans held for sale391,419 391,419 — — — — 
Loans held for investment - performing (1)
6,839,093 4,234,340 1,209,433 636,291 759,028 — 
Earning Assets$9,049,359 $5,180,845 $1,528,658 $806,823 $1,444,764 $88,269 
Liabilities
Interest bearing demand deposits2,560,629 2,560,629 — — — — 
Saving and money market1,610,218 1,610,218 — — — — 
Time deposits2,297,097 1,509,891 671,752 114,543 912 — 
FHLB advances (2)
645,000 635,000 10,000 — — — 
Senior Notes59,526 — 59,526 — — — 
Subordinated Notes29,454 — — — 29,454 — 
Junior subordinated debentures64,178 64,178 — — — — 
Interest bearing liabilities$7,266,102 $6,379,916 $741,278 $114,543 $30,366 $— 
Interest rate sensitivity gap(1,199,071)787,380 692,280 1,414,398 88,269 
Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap(1,199,071)(411,691)280,589 1,694,987 1,783,256 
Earnings assets to interest bearing liabilities (%)81.2 %206.2 %704.4 %4,757.8 %N/M

__________________
(1)     “Loan portfolio-performing”“Loans held for investment - performing” excludes $87.7$34.4 million of non-performing loans (non-accrual loans and loans 90 days or more past-due and still accruing).
(2) Includes FHLB advances in the amount of $595.0 million set to mature in 2027 or later, which come with quarterly callable features.
N/M    Not meaningfulmeaningful.

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Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Financial Statements Information
The financial statements information required by this item is contained under the section titled “Index to Financial Statements” (and the financial statements and related notes referenced therein) included in Item 15.1 Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.

Supplemental Quarterly Financial Information
The summary quarterly financial information set forth below has been derived from the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and other financial information. The summary historical quarterly financial information includes all adjustments consisting of normal recurring accruals that the Company considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for these periods.
The information below should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and our audited consolidated financial statements and the corresponding notes included in this Form 10-K.
(in thousands, except per share data)202020192018
Q4Q3Q2Q1Q4Q3Q2Q1Q4Q3Q2Q1
Total interest income$63,155 $61,917 $64,167 $71,315 $75,237 $78,204 $79,226 $80,307 $81,886 $79,625 $75,916 $71,931 
Total interest expense14,503 16,569 17,844 22,086 23,975 25,604 25,437 24,870 25,102 23,992 21,927 19,298 
Net interest income48,652 45,348 46,323 49,229 51,262 52,600 53,789 55,437 56,784 55,633 53,989 52,633 
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses— 18,000 48,620 22,000 (300)(1,500)(1,350)— (1,375)1,600 150 — 
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) loan losses48,652 27,348 (2,297)27,229 51,562 54,100 55,139 55,437 58,159 54,033 53,839 52,633 
Total noninterest income, excluding securities gains (losses), net10,482 11,692 12,016 12,290 15,268 12,930 13,155 13,152 12,994 12,965 14,970 13,945 
Securities gains (losses), net1,033 8,600 7,737 9,620 703 906 992 (1,000)(15)16 — 
Total noninterest expense51,629 45,500 36,740 44,867 51,730 52,737 52,905 51,945 54,648 52,042 52,638 55,645 
Income (loss) before income taxes8,538 2,140 (19,284)4,272 15,803 15,199 16,381 16,648 15,505 14,941 16,187 10,933 
Income tax expense (benefit)(65)(438)4,005 (890)(2,328)(3,268)(3,524)(3,577)(1,075)(3,390)(5,764)(1,504)
Net income (loss)$8,473 $1,702 $(15,279)$3,382 $13,475 $11,931 $12,857 $13,071 $14,430 $11,551 $10,423 $9,429 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share$0.21 $0.04 $(0.37)$0.08 $0.32 $0.28 $0.30 $0.31 $0.34 $0.27 $0.25 $0.22 
 Diluted earnings (loss) per common share$0.20 $0.04 $(0.37)$0.08 $0.31 $0.28 $0.30 $0.30 $0.34 $0.27 $0.25 $0.22 
Cash dividends declared per common share$— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $— $0.94 
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Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SECthe SEC’s rules and forms. Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms, of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The CEO and the CFO, with assistance from other members of management, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023 and, based on their evaluation, have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
ThereOther than the changes in connection with our implementation of the remediation plan to remediate the material weakness identified by management described under “Remediation of Material Weakness” below and the changes described below in connection with the completed transition of our core data processing platform and other applications in the fourth quarter of 2023, there were no changes in ourthe Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act, that occurred during the period covered by this Form 10-K that has materially affected, or isare reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations
On November 4, 2021, we announced a new multi-year outsourcing agreement with Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) which includes the transition of our core data processing platform and other applications to FIS. This transition to FIS was completed on EffectivenessNovember 6, 2023. Upon completion of Controlsthe transition, we updated our internal controls to include business cycle review controls, controls over data migration to the new core system, and Procedurescontrols over reliability of balances and transactional activity as of and in the post-conversion period ended December 31, 2023.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the preparations of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in SEC Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, management recognizesrecognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable not absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

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Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of Amerant Bancorp Inc. (the “Company") is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15(f). Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation of reliable financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors;directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention, or timely detection and correction of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

UnderAs disclosed in Part II 9A Controls and Procedures in our Annal Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the supervision andCompany’s management identified a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting associated with the participationestimation of Management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officerallowance for credit losses, errors related to the computational accuracy of the model used for purchased consumer and Chief Financial Officer,land loans, the loan to value and prepayment assumption inputs and the qualitative factor adjustments.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company has completed an assessmentimplemented a remediation plan to address the aforementioned material weakness that included the design, documentation, and implementation of enhanced controls over the computational accuracy of the model used for purchased consumer and land loans, the loan to value and prepayment assumption inputs and the qualitative factor adjustments. During the fourth quarter of 2023, we completed testing of these enhancements to our internal controls for operating effectiveness and found them to be effective. As of December 31, 2023, the aforementioned material weakness was considered to be remediated and did not lead to any adjustments to previously reported or current financial information.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. In making the assessment, management used the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework 2013 promulgated2023, has been audited by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“the COSO criteria”). Based upon that assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2020,RSM US LLP, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based upon the COSO criteria.independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their accompanying report which is included in Item 15.1 Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10-K.



Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Securities Trading Plans of Directors and Executive Officers

During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, none of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K).    

Item 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
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PART III

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Certain information relating to the Executive Officers of the Company appears in Part I of this Form 10-K under the heading “Information about our Executive Officers” and is incorporated by reference in this section.
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20202024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the year ended December 31, 20202023 (the “Proxy Statement”) under the captions “Directors and Nominees,” “Corporate Governance” and “Delinquent Section 16 (a) Reports,“Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.
We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics applicable to all officers, directors and employees. In addition, our Code of Conduct and Ethics contains additional provisions that are applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and other principal financial and accounting officers. The Code of Conduct and Ethics is available under the “Documents & Charters” link under the “Corporate Governance” dropdown menu in the “Investor Relations” tab on our website at https://www.amerantbank.com. In the event that we amend or waive any of the provisions of the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Senior Officers that relate to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K, we intend to disclose such amendment or waiver at the same location on our website.

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the caption “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion & Analysis,” “Compensation and Human Capital Committee Report,” “Director Compensation,” “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation and Human Capital Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the captioncaptions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the captioncaptions “Corporate Governance,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance,Transactions,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required under this Item will be contained in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the caption “Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” which information is incorporated by reference herein.
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PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBITSEXHIBIT and FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) List of documents filed as part of this report
1) Financial Statements and 2) Financial Statements Schedules:
The financial statements information required by this item is contained under the section entitled “Index to“Consolidated Financial Statements” (and the financial statements and related notes referenced therein) included beginning on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.

3) List of Exhibits
The exhibit list in the Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference as the list of exhibits required as part of this report.

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
2.1
2.2
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.3
4.1Declaration of Trust, made as of December 6, 2002, by and between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.2Indenture, dated as of December 19, 2002, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.3Guarantee Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2002, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.4Declaration of Trust, made as of March 26, 2003, by and between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.5Indenture, dated as of April 10, 2003, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.6Guarantee Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2003, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.7Declaration of Trust, made as of March 17, 2004, by and between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.8Indenture, dated as of March 31, 2004, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.9Guarantee Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2004, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.10Declaration of Trust, made on September 8, 2006, by and among Commercebank Holding Corporation, Wilmington Trust Company, Alberto Peraza and Ricardo Alvarez *
4.11Indenture, dated as of September 21, 2006, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
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Exhibit
Number
Description
4.12Guarantee Agreement, dated as of September 21, 2006, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.13Declaration of Trust, made on November 28, 2006, by and among Commercebank Holding Corporation, Wilmington Trust Company, Alberto Peraza and Ricardo Alvarez *
4.14Indenture, dated as of December 14, 2006, between Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.15Guarantee Agreement, dated as of December 14, 2006, executed and delivered by Commercebank Holding Corporation and Wilmington Trust Company *
4.16

4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
10.1
10.2
10.3

10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.1010.7
10.1110.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
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Exhibit
Number
Description
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.1310.16
10.1410.17
10.1510.18
10.16
10.1710.19
10.20
21.1
22
23.1
23.2
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
32.2
97.1
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data (embedded within the XBRL documents)
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* The Company hereby agrees pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K to furnish a copy of this instrument to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
** Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or agreement.
*** Furnished hereby.

Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
AMERANT BANCORP INC.
March 19, 20217, 2024By:/s/ Millar WilsonGerald P. Plush
DateName:Millar WilsonGerald P. Plush
Title:Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
SignatureTitleDate
/s/ Millar Wilson Chief Executive Officer and Director
(principal executive officer)
March 19, 2021
Millar Wilson
/s/ Carlos IafigliolaExecutive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
March 19, 2021
Carlos Iafigliola
/s/ Armando D. FleitasSenior Vice-President and Controller
(principal accounting officer)
March 19, 2021
Armando D. Fleitas
/s/ Frederick C. Copeland, Jr.ChairmanMarch 19, 2021
Frederick C. Copeland, Jr.
/s/ Gerald P. Plush Chairman, President and Chief Executive Vice-ChairmanOfficer
(Principal Executive Officer)
March 19, 20217, 2024
Gerald P. Plush
/s/ Sharymar Calderon
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
March 7, 2024
Sharymar Calderon
/s/ Armando D. Fleitas
Executive Vice-President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
March 7, 2024
Armando D. Fleitas
/s/ Erin KnightDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Erin Knight
/s/ Miguel A. Capriles L.DirectorMarch 19, 20217, 2024
Miguel A. Capriles L.
/s/ Rosa M. CostantinoDirectorMarch 19, 2021
Rosa M. Costantino
/s/ Pamella J. DanaLead Independent DirectorMarch 19, 20217, 2024
Pamella J. Dana
/s/ Samantha HolroydDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Samantha Holroyd
/s/ Gustavo Marturet M.DirectorMarch 19, 20217, 2024
Gustavo Marturet M.
/s/ John QuelchDirectorMarch 7, 2024
John Quelch
/s/ John W. QuillDirectorMarch 19, 20217, 2024
John W. Quill
/s/ Ashaki RuckerDirectorMarch 7, 2024
Ashaki Rucker
/s/ Jose Antonio VillamilOscar SuarezDirectorMarch 19, 20217, 2024
Jose Antonio VillamilOscar Suarez
/s/ Guillermo VillarMillar WilsonDirectorMarch 19, 20217, 2024
Guillermo VillarMillar Wilson
/s/ Gustavo J. Vollmer A.DirectorMarch 19, 2021
Gustavo J. Vollmer A.

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INDEX TOItem 15.1 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

AMERANT BANCORP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INDEX
Page
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Amerant Bancorp Inc.


Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of Amerant Bancorp Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020,2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the year thenthree years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020,2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the year thenthree years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated March 7, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company'sCompany’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company'sCompany’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
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Allowance for Credit Losses – Loans Held for Investment
As described in Note 1 and 5 to the financial statements, the Company’s allowance for credit losses for loans held for investment (allowance or allowance for credit losses) totaled $95.5 million as of December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses is an estimate of life-of-loan losses for the Company’s loans held for investment. The allowance is a valuation account that is deducted from the carrying amount of loans held for investment.

The allowance consists of two components: an asset-specific component for estimating credit losses for individual loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans; and a pooled component for estimating credit losses for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics. The allowance for the pooled component is derived from an estimate of expected credit losses primarily using an expected loss methodology that incorporates risk parameters such as probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) which are derived from various vendor models and/or internally developed model estimation approaches for smaller homogenous loans.

PD is projected in these models or estimation approaches using economic scenarios, whose outcomes are weighted based on the Company’s economic outlook and were developed to incorporate relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For commercial loans held for investment above $3 million, LGD is typically derived from the Company’s own loss experience based on specific risk characteristics. For commercial real estate loans held for investment, the loss given default is derived from vendor models using property and loan risk characteristics.

For smaller-balance homogeneous pooled loans with similar risk characteristics such as collateral type and loan purpose (e.g., residential, small business lending under $3 million, consumer and land loans), other modeling techniques are used. These include modeling that relies upon observable inputs such as historical or average loss rates by year of loan origination (i.e., vintage) and prepayment considerations for future expected contractual loan outstanding balances.

For the smaller-balance homogenous pooled loan segments, the quantitative estimates of expected credit losses are then adjusted to incorporate considerations of current trends and conditions that are not captured in the quantitative credit loss estimates using qualitative or environmental factors. The measurement of expected credit losses on these loan segments is influenced by macro-economic conditions.

Expected credit losses on loans to borrowers that are domiciled in foreign countries, primarily loans in the consumer and financial institutions portfolios, are generally estimated by assessing any available cash or other types of collateral, and the probability of losses arising from the Company’s exposure to those collateral assets. Loans in these portfolios are generally fully collateralized with cash, securities, and other assets and, therefore, generally have no expected credit losses.

The estimation of the allowance for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics involves inputs and assumptions, many of which are derived from vendor and internally developed models. These inputs and assumptions include, among others, the selection, evaluation and measurement of the reasonable and supportable economic forecast scenarios, prepayment rates, PD and LGD, most of which requires management to apply a significant amount of judgment and involves a high degree of estimation.

We identified the determination and evaluation of the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions as a critical audit matter because auditing the underlying assumptions in the allowance model involves a high degree of complexity and auditor judgment given the high degree of subjectivity exercised by management in developing the allowance for credit losses in the loan portfolio held for investment.

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Table of Contents

Our audit procedures related to management’s evaluation and establishment of the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions of the allowance included the following, among others:

a.We obtained an understanding of the relevant controls related to the model and the evaluation and establishment of the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions of the allowance and tested such controls for design and operating effectiveness.

a.We tested management’s process and significant judgments in the evaluation and establishment of the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions of the allowance, which included:

Evaluating management’s considerations and data utilized as a basis for the PD, LGD and prepayment speed assumptions (e.g., loan to value, debt service coverage ratio, historical loss experience, selected borrowers’ financial information and prepayment considerations) and tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data that was used by management by tracing on a sample basis inputs into the model to source documentation.

Evaluated the reasonableness of management’s judgements and support around significant input assumptions used with current economic trends and conditions.

Evaluating the scope, sufficiency of procedures performed by the model validator and results driven from the process used by management in validating the model’s performance, including model output-outcome testing.



/s/ RSM US LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
March 7, 2024
F-4

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Amerant Bancorp Inc.


Opinion on the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Amerant Bancorp Inc. and its subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated March 7, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB)PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of itseffective internal control over financial reporting. As part of ourreporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit we are required to obtainincluded obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not forassessing the purposerisk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of expressing an opinioninternal control based on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.assessed risk. Our audit also included evaluatingperforming such other procedures as we considered necessary in the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.pleaopinion.


Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
/s/ RSM US LLP

WeA company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have served asa material effect on the Company's auditor since 2020.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
March 19, 2021






financial statements.

F-2F-5

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ReportBecause of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Toits inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Amerant Bancorp Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of Amerant Bancorp Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income,risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in stockholders’ equity andconditions, or that the degree of cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registeredcompliance with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to errorpolicies or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

may deteriorate.



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers/ RSM US LLP
Miami, Florida
March 13, 2020

We served as the Company's auditor from 1987to 2019.Fort Lauderdale, Florida


March 7, 2024

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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)(in thousands)December 31,
2020
December 31, 2019(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 31, 2022
AssetsAssets
Assets
Assets
Cash and due from banks
Cash and due from banks
Cash and due from banksCash and due from banks$30,179 $28,035 
Interest earning deposits with banksInterest earning deposits with banks184,207 93,289 
Restricted cash
Other short-term investments
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents214,386 121,324 
SecuritiesSecurities
Debt securities available for saleDebt securities available for sale1,225,083 1,568,752 
Debt securities held to maturity58,127 73,876 
Debt securities available for sale
Debt securities available for sale
Debt securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (estimated fair value of $204,945 and $217,609 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for tradingEquity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading24,342 23,848 
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stockFederal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock65,015 72,934 
SecuritiesSecurities1,372,567 1,739,410 
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value
Loans held for investment, grossLoans held for investment, gross5,842,337 5,744,339 
Less: Allowance for loan losses110,902 52,223 
Less: allowance for credit losses
Loans held for investment, netLoans held for investment, net5,731,435 5,692,116 
Bank owned life insuranceBank owned life insurance217,547 211,852 
Premises and equipment, netPremises and equipment, net109,990 128,824 
Deferred tax assets, netDeferred tax assets, net11,691 5,480 
Operating lease right-of-use assets
GoodwillGoodwill19,506 19,506 
Accrued interest receivable and other assetsAccrued interest receivable and other assets93,771 66,887 
Total assetsTotal assets$7,770,893 $7,985,399 
Liabilities and Stockholders' EquityLiabilities and Stockholders' Equity
DepositsDeposits
Deposits
Deposits
DemandDemand
Demand
Demand
Noninterest bearing
Noninterest bearing
Noninterest bearingNoninterest bearing$872,151 $763,224 
Interest bearingInterest bearing1,230,054 1,098,323 
Savings and money marketSavings and money market1,587,876 1,475,257 
TimeTime2,041,562 2,420,339 
Total depositsTotal deposits5,731,643 5,757,143 
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings1,050,000 1,235,000 
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank
Senior notesSenior notes58,577 
Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated debentures held by trust subsidiariesJunior subordinated debentures held by trust subsidiaries64,178 92,246 
Operating lease liabilities
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilitiesAccounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities83,074 66,309 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities6,987,472 7,150,698 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)00
Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)Commitments and contingencies (Note 19)
Stockholders’ equityStockholders’ equity
Class A common stock, $0.10 par value, 400 million shares authorized; 28,806,344 shares issued and outstanding (2019 - 28,927,576 shares issued and outstanding)2,882 2,893 
Class B common stock, $0.10 par value, 100 million shares authorized; 9,036,352 shares issued and outstanding (2019: 17,751,053 shares issued; 14,218,596 shares outstanding)904 1,775 
Stockholders’ equity
Stockholders’ equity
Class A common stock, $0.10 par value, 250 million shares authorized; 33,603,242 shares issued and outstanding (2022- 33,815,161 shares issued and outstanding)
Class A common stock, $0.10 par value, 250 million shares authorized; 33,603,242 shares issued and outstanding (2022- 33,815,161 shares issued and outstanding)
Class A common stock, $0.10 par value, 250 million shares authorized; 33,603,242 shares issued and outstanding (2022- 33,815,161 shares issued and outstanding)
Additional paid in capitalAdditional paid in capital305,569 419,048 
Treasury stock, at cost; 3,532,457 shares of Class B common stock in 2019(46,373)
Retained earningsRetained earnings442,402 444,124 
Accumulated other comprehensive income31,664 13,234 
Retained earnings
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total stockholders' equity before noncontrolling interest
Noncontrolling interest
Total stockholders' equityTotal stockholders' equity783,421 834,701 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equityTotal liabilities and stockholders' equity$7,770,893 $7,985,399 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Years Ended December 31,
Years Ended December 31,
Years Ended December 31,
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)(in thousands)202020192018(in thousands)202320222021
Interest incomeInterest income
LoansLoans$220,898 $263,011 $257,611 
Loans
Loans
Investment securitiesInvestment securities39,023 47,210 49,207 
Interest earning deposits with banks633 2,753 2,540 
Interest earning deposits with banks and other interest income
Total interest incomeTotal interest income260,554 312,974 309,358 
Interest expenseInterest expense
Interest expense
Interest expense
Interest bearing demand deposits
Interest bearing demand deposits
Interest bearing demand depositsInterest bearing demand deposits439 925 657 
Savings and money market depositsSavings and money market deposits7,128 15,690 12,911 
Time depositsTime deposits45,765 51,757 42,189 
Advances from the Federal Home Loan BankAdvances from the Federal Home Loan Bank13,168 24,325 26,470 
Senior notesSenior notes1,968 
Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated debenturesJunior subordinated debentures2,533 7,184 8,086 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchaseSecurities sold under agreements to repurchase
Total interest expenseTotal interest expense71,002 99,886 90,319 
Net interest incomeNet interest income189,552 213,088 219,039 
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses88,620 (3,150)375 
Net interest income after (provision for) reversal of loan losses100,932 216,238 218,664 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses
Net interest income after provision for (reversal of) credit losses
Noninterest incomeNoninterest income
Noninterest income
Noninterest income
Deposits and service fees
Deposits and service fees
Deposits and service feesDeposits and service fees15,838 17,067 17,753 
Brokerage, advisory and fiduciary activitiesBrokerage, advisory and fiduciary activities16,949 14,936 16,849 
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank, net
Loan level derivative income
Change in cash surrender value of bank owned life insuranceChange in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance5,695 5,710 5,824 
Cards and trade finance servicing feesCards and trade finance servicing fees1,346 3,925 4,424 
Data processing and fees for other services955 2,517 
Securities gains (losses), net26,990 2,605 (999)
(Loss) gain on early extinguishment of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank, net(73)(886)882 
Derivative gains, net
Derivative gains, net
Derivative gains, net
Gain on sale of headquarters building
Securities (losses) gains, net
Other noninterest incomeOther noninterest income6,725 12,798 6,625 
Total noninterest incomeTotal noninterest income73,470 57,110 53,875 
Noninterest expenseNoninterest expense
Noninterest expense
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefitsSalaries and employee benefits111,469 137,380 141,801 
Salaries and employee benefits
Salaries and employee benefits
Occupancy and equipment
Professional and other services feesProfessional and other services fees13,459 16,123 19,119 
Occupancy and equipment17,624 16,194 16,531 
Telecommunication and data processingTelecommunication and data processing12,931 13,063 12,399 
Advertising expenses
Loan level derivative expense
Contract termination costs
FDIC assessments and insurance
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization9,385 7,094 8,543 
FDIC assessments and insurance6,141 4,043 6,215 
Other real estate owned and repossessed assets expense, net
Losses on loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value
Other operating expensesOther operating expenses7,727 15,420 10,365 
Total noninterest expensesTotal noninterest expenses178,736 209,317 214,973 
(Loss) income before income tax benefit (expense)(4,334)64,031 57,566 
Income tax benefit (expense)2,612 (12,697)(11,733)
Net (loss) income$(1,722)$51,334 $45,833 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Income before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Net income before attribution of noncontrolling interest
Noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)


Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)202020192018
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available for sale arising during the period$39,941 $32,810 $(15,265)
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains on cash flow hedges arising during the period(1,730)287 2,663 
Reclassification adjustment for items included in net income(19,781)(2,571)571 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle872 
Other comprehensive income (loss)18,430 31,398 (12,031)
Comprehensive income$16,708 $82,732 $33,802 
Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Note 21)
Basic (loss) earnings per common share$(0.04)$1.21 $1.08 
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share$(0.04)$1.20 $1.08 
















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Each of the Three Years Ended December 31, 2020


Common StockAdditional
Paid
in Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total
Stockholders'
Equity
Shares OutstandingIssued Shares - Par Value
(in thousands, except share data)Class AClass BClass AClass BTreasury Stock
Balance at December 31, 201724,737,470 17,751,053 $2,474 $1,775 $367,505 $$387,829 $(6,133)$753,450 
Common stock issued1,377,523 — 138 — 17,770 — — — 17,908 
Repurchase of Class B common stock— (1,420,136)— — — (17,908)— — (17,908)
Restricted stock issued736,839 — 74 — (74)— — — 
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 166 — — — 166 
Dividends declared— — — — — — (40,000)— (40,000)
Net income— — — — — — 45,833 — 45,833 
Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — (12,031)(12,031)
Balance at December 31, 201826,851,832 16,330,917 $2,686 $1,775 $385,367 $(17,908)$393,662 $(18,164)$747,418 
Common stock issued2,132,865 — 213 — 29,005 — — — 29,218 
Repurchase of Class B common stock— (2,112,321)— — — (28,465)— — (28,465)
Restricted stock issued3,882 — — — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for restricted stock unit vesting16,025 — — (2)— — — 
Restricted stock surrendered(77,028)— (8)— (1,687)— — — (1,695)
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 6,365 — — — 6,365 
Net income— — — — — — 51,334 — 51,334 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle— — — — — — (872)872 
Other comprehensive income— — — — — — — 30,526 30,526 
Balance at December 31, 201928,927,576 14,218,596 $2,893 $1,775 $419,048 $(46,373)$444,124 $13,234 $834,701 
Repurchase of Class B common stock— (5,182,244)— — — (69,378)— — (69,378)
Treasury stock retired— — — (871)(114,880)115,751 — — 
Restricted stock issued6,591 — — (1)— — — 
Issuance of common shares for restricted stock unit vesting19,464 — — (2)— — — 
Restricted stock surrendered(60,606)— (6)— (911)— — — (917)
Restricted Stock forfeited(86,681)— (8)— — — — 
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 2,307 — — — 2,307 
Net loss— — — — — — (1,722)— (1,722)
Other comprehensive income— — — — — — — 18,430 18,430 
Balance at December 31, 202028,806,344 9,036,352 $2,882 $904 $305,569 $$442,402 $31,664 $783,421 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202020192018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net (loss) income$(1,722)$51,334 $45,833 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses88,620 (3,150)375 
Net premium amortization on securities14,868 14,299 16,926 
Depreciation and amortization9,385 7,094 8,543 
Stock-based compensation expense2,307 6,365 166 
Change in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance(5,695)(5,710)(5,824)
Securities (gains) loss, net(26,990)(2,605)999 
Net loss (gain) on sale of premises and equipment1,729 (2,795)
Deferred taxes and others(11,513)525 1,271 
Loss (gain) on early extinguishment of advances from the FHLB73 886 (882)
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accrued interest receivable and other assets(446)15,426 3,655 
Account payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities(13,369)(3,277)(8,901)
Net cash provided by operating activities57,247 78,392 62,161 
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of investment securities:
Available for sale(399,202)(445,892)(216,237)
Federal Home Loan Bank stock(9,843)(43,232)(27,667)
   Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading(29)
(409,074)(489,124)(243,904)
Maturities, sales, calls and paydowns of investment securities:
Available for sale781,983 497,709 279,959 
Held to maturity15,056 10,747 4,400 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock18,742 40,487 27,413 
815,781 548,943 311,772 
Net increase in loans(199,910)(98,262)(33,199)
Proceeds from loan portfolio sales71,639 267,765 173,473 
Purchases of premises and equipment(5,573)(14,262)(10,044)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment and others13,476 5,173 911 
Cash paid in business acquisition, net(14,390)
Net proceeds from sale of subsidiary7,500 
Net cash provided by investing activities286,339 205,843 206,509 
Cash flows from financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in demand, savings and money market accounts353,277 (308,751)(430,984)
Net (decrease) increase in time deposits(378,777)18,822 140,697 
Proceeds from advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank750,000 1,800,000 1,278,000 
Repayments of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank(935,073)(1,731,886)(1,284,118)
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes, net of issuance costs58,412 
Redemption of junior subordinated debentures(28,068)(25,864)
Dividend paid(40,000)
Proceeds from common stock issued - Class A29,218 17,908 
Repurchase of common stock - Class B(69,378)(28,465)(17,908)
Common stock retired to cover tax withholding - Class A(917)(1,695)
Net cash used in financing activities(250,524)(248,621)(336,405)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents93,062 35,614 (67,735)
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period121,324 85,710 153,445 
End of period$214,386 $121,324 $85,710 
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Each of the Three Years Ended December 31, 2019


Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202020192018
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid:
Interest$73,349 $99,958 $89,283 
Income taxes10,576 7,544 18,954 
Noncash investing activities:
Loans transferred to other assets400 42 925 


Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)202320222021
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities available for sale arising during the period$9,357 $(97,151)$(12,960)
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains on cash flow hedges arising during the period(15)220 137 
Reclassification adjustment for items included in net income497 1,079 (3,624)
Other comprehensive income (loss)9,839 (95,852)(16,447)
Comprehensive income (loss)$42,329 $(32,542)$96,474 
Earnings Per Share (Note 23)
Basic earnings per common share$0.97 $1.87 $3.04 
Diluted earnings per common share$0.96 $1.85 $3.01 
















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Each of the Three Years Ended December 31, 2022


Common StockAdditional
Paid
in Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total
Stockholders'
Equity Before Noncontrolling Interest
 Noncontrolling InterestTotal
Stockholders'
Equity
Shares OutstandingIssued Shares - Par Value
(in thousands, except share data)Class AClass BClass AClass BTreasury Stock
Balance at December 31, 202028,806,344 9,036,352 $2,882 $904 $305,569 $— $442,402 $31,664 $783,421 $— $783,421 
Conversion of stock8,047,564 (8,471,120)805 (847)42 — — — — — — 
Repurchase of Class A common stock(1,175,119)— — — — (36,332)— — (36,332)— (36,332)
Repurchase of Class B common stock— (565,232)— — — (9,563)— — (9,563)— (9,563)
Treasury stock retired— — (118)(57)(45,720)45,895 — — — — — 
Restricted stock issued252,503 — 25 — (25)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for restricted stock unit vesting45,586 — — (5)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for performance shares unit vesting1,729 — — — — — — — — — — 
Restricted stock surrendered(66,491)— (7)— (2,136)— — — (2,143)— (2,143)
Restricted stock forfeited(28,796)— (3)— — — — — — — 
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 4,782 — — — 4,782 — 4,782 
Dividends declared— — — — — — (2,156)— (2,156)— (2,156)
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.— — — — — — 112,921 — 112,921 — 112,921 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling-interest shareholders— — — — — — — — — (2,610)(2,610)
Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — (16,447)(16,447)— (16,447)
Balance at December 31, 202135,883,320 — $3,589 $— $262,510 $— $553,167 $15,217 $834,483 $(2,610)$831,873 
Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting principle, net of tax— — — — — — (13,872)— (13,872)— (13,872)
Repurchase of Class A common stock(2,255,005)— — — — (72,060)— — (72,060)— (72,060)
Transfer of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest— — — — (1,867)— — — (1,867)1,867 — 
Treasury stock retired— — (226)— (71,834)72,060 — — — — — 
Restricted stock issued175,601 18 — (18)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for restricted stock unit vesting33,349 — — (3)— — — — — — 
Restricted stock surrendered(17,768)— (2)— (1,061)— — — (1,063)— (1,063)
Restricted stock forfeited(39,673)— (4)— — — — — — — 
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan35,337 1,175 1,179 1,179 
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 5,788 — — — 5,788 — 5,788 
Dividends Paid— — — — — — (12,230)— (12,230)— (12,230)
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.— — — — — — 63,310 — 63,310 — 63,310 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling-interest shareholders— — — — — — — — — (1,347)(1,347)
Other comprehensive loss— — — — — — — (95,852)(95,852)— (95,852)
Balance at December 31, 202233,815,161 — $3,382 $— $194,694 $— $590,375 $(80,635)$707,816 $(2,090)$705,726 
Repurchase of Class A common stock(259,853)— — — — (4,933)— — (4,933)— (4,933)
Treasury stock retired— — (26)— (4,907)4,933 — — — — — 
Restricted stock issued10,440 — (1)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for restricted stock unit vesting65,526 — — (7)— — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares for performance shares unit vesting10,621 — — (1)— — — — — — 
Restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance stock units surrendered(53,607)— (5)— (1,422)— — — (1,427)— (1,427)
Restricted Stock forfeited(41,973)— (4)— — — — — — — 
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan56,927 — — 1,357 — — — 1,362 — 1,362 
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 6,775 — — — 6,775 — 6,775 
Dividends Paid— — — — — — (12,063)— (12,063)— (12,063)
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.— — — — — — 32,490 — 32,490 — 32,490 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling-interest shareholders— — — — — — — — — (1,701)(1,701)
Transfer of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest— — — — (3,791)— — — (3,791)3,791 — 
Other comprehensive income— — — — — — — 9,839 9,839 — 9,839 
Balance at December 31, 202333,603,242 — $3,361 $— $192,701 $— $610,802 $(70,796)$736,068 $— $736,068 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-10

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income before attribution of noncontrolling interest$30,789 $61,963 $110,311 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses61,277 13,945 (16,500)
Net premium amortization on securities and other short-term investments4,850 8,537 12,596 
Depreciation and amortization6,842 5,883 7,269 
Stock-based compensation expense6,775 5,788 4,782 
Losses on loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value43,057 159 — 
Loans on sale of repossessed assets2,649 — — 
Impairment on investment carried at cost1,963 — — 
Change in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance(5,173)(5,406)(5,459)
Securities losses (gains), net10,989 3,689 (3,740)
Derivative gains, net(28)(455)— 
(Gain) loss on sale of loans, net(4,355)320 (4,276)
Net gain on sale of headquarters building— — (62,387)
Net loss on sale of premises and equipment— — 71 
Deferred taxes and others(5,508)4,998 6,000 
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of advances from the FHLB, net(40,084)(10,678)2,488 
Proceeds from sales and repayments of mortgage loans originated for sale (at fair value)286,504 143,082 20,859 
Originations and purchases of mortgage loans originated for sale (at fair value)(343,524)(286,715)(35,108)
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accrued interest receivable and other assets(34,449)(15,348)(4,432)
Account payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities4,147 21,078 34,957 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities26,721 (49,160)67,431 
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of investment securities:
Available for sale(264,094)(266,667)(425,864)
Held to maturity— (140,028)(100,403)
Federal Home Loan Bank stock(83,119)(38,044)(4,565)
   Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading(2,500)(12,656)— 
(349,713)(457,395)(530,832)
Maturities, sales, calls, paydowns and redemptions of investment securities:
Available for sale104,191 246,394 446,436 
Held to maturity14,718 15,354 39,695 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock88,400 29,964 22,110 
Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading11,168 252 23,470 
218,477 291,964 531,711 
Net proceeds from sale of headquarters building— — 132,360 
Net (increase) decrease in loans(509,687)(1,311,608)93,321 
Proceeds from loan portfolio sales109,224 84,029 166,329 
Purchase of bank owned life insurance(65,015)— — 
Purchases of premises and equipment and others(10,933)(10,629)(6,577)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment535 — 28 
Proceeds from sales of repossessed assets and other real estate owned2,464 6,393 16 
Cash paid in business acquisition, net(1,970)— (1,037)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(606,618)(1,397,246)385,319 
Cash flows from financing activities
Net increase in demand, savings and money market accounts281,822 1,022,913 602,950 
Net increase (decrease) in time deposits568,842 390,415 (703,722)
Proceeds from advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank1,955,000 1,130,000 485,500 
Repayments of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank(2,176,977)(1,024,322)(729,618)
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated notes, net of issuance costs— 29,146 — 
Repurchase of common stock - Class A(4,933)(72,060)(36,332)
Dividends paid(12,063)(12,230)— 
Repurchase of common stock - Class B— — (9,563)
Disbursements arising from stock based compensation, net(523)(1,063)(2,143)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities611,168 1,462,799 (392,928)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash31,271 16,393 59,822 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period290,601 274,208 214,386 
End of period$321,872 $290,601 $274,208 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-11

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows




Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid:
Interest$211,769 $67,295 $46,327 
Income taxes24,966 27,537 14,538 
Initial recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets— — 55,670 
Initial recognition of operating lease liabilities— — 56,024 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease obligations12,001 8,887 91,797 
Noncash investing activities:
Surrender of bank owned life insurance receivable from former insurance carrier63,628 — — 
Mortgage loans held for sale (at fair value) transferred to loans held for investment98,918 96,233 — 
Loans held for sale (at lower cost or fair value) transferred to loans held for investment— 65,802 — 
Loans held for investment transferred to loans held for sale (at lower of fair value or cost)449,563 — 256,154 
Net transfers from premises and equipments to operating lease right-of-use assets— — 69,931 
Loans transferred to other assets26,534 — 9,400 















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-12

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
a) Business
Amerant Bancorp Inc (the “Company”) is a Florida corporation incorporated in 1985, which has operated since January 1987. The Company is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (“BHC Act”), as a result of its 100% indirect ownership of Amerant Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”). The Company’s principal office is in the City of Coral Gables, Florida. The Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (“Federal Reserve ”) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”). The Bank had 3 principalis a national bank subject to regulation and regular examinations by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”). The Bank has three operating subsidiaries: Amerant Investments, Inc., a securities broker-dealer (“Amerant Investments”), Amerant Trust, N.A.Mortgage, LLC (“Amerant Mortgage”), a non-depository trustmortgage lending company domiciled in Florida (“Amerant Trust”Mortgage”) and Elant Bank Bank & Trust Ltd., a Grand-Cayman based trust company subsidiary acquired in November 2019 (the” Cayman(the “Cayman Bank”). In December 2020, the Bank joined a third party to form Amerant Mortgage, LLC. (“Amerant Mortgage”). In March 2021, the Bank and Amerant Trust received authorization to merge Amerant Trust with and into the Bank, with the Bank as sole survivor, effective on April 1, 2021.

The Bank has been serving the communities in which it operates for over 40 years. The Bank has 2523 Banking Centers, including 1816 located in South Florida, and 7six in the Greater Houston area, Texas, as well as loan production officesand one in New York City, New York, and Dallas, Texas.Tampa, Fl. As the main operating subsidiary of the Company, the Bank offers a wide variety of domestic, international, personal and commercial banking services. Investment, trust, fiduciary and wealth management services are provided through the Bank’s main operating subsidiaries Amerant Investments Amerant Trust and the Cayman Bank. Amerant Mortgage offers a full complement of residential lending solutions including conventional, government, construction, Jumbo loans, and other residential lending product offerings. The Company’s main activities are concentrated in its primary markets, with domestic customers located within those markets, and with international customers mainly located in Latin America. The Company does not have any significant concentrations to any one customer.

In May 2021, the Company incorporated a new wholly owned subsidiary, Amerant SPV, LLC, or Amerant SPV. From time to time, the Company may evaluate select opportunities to invest and acquire non-controlling interests, through Amerant SPV, in companies it partners with, or may acquire non-controlling interests of fintech and specialty finance companies that the Company believes will be strategic or accretive. In addition, through Amerant SPV, we may also invest in companies and funds that invest in technology companies that are developing solutions aimed at allowing financial institutions and community banks to more effectively compete and serve their customers.

The Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.10 per common share and Class B common stock, par value $0.10 per common share, are(the “Common Stock”) was listed and tradetraded on the The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) Global Select Market under the symbolssymbol “AMTB” and “AMTBB,” respectively.
Rebranding
until August 28, 2023. On June 4, 2019,August 3, 2023, the Company provided written notice to Nasdaq of its determination to voluntarily withdraw the principal listing of the Company’s stockholders approved an amendmentCommon Stock from Nasdaq and transfer the listing of the Common Stock to the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles of Incorporation”) to change the Company’s name from “Mercantil Bank Holding Corporation” to “Amerant Bancorp Inc.” (the “Name Change”New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The Name Change became effectiveCompany’s Common Stock listing and trading on June 5, 2019. Each ofNasdaq ended at market close on August 28, 2023, and trading commenced on the Company, the Bank and its principal subsidiaries now operateNYSE at market open on August 29, 2023 where it continues to trade under the “Amerant” brand.
Spin-offstock symbol “AMTB”.

AsRestructuring Activities
The Company continues to work at optimizing its operating structure to best support its business activities.

In 2021, the Bank entered into a new multi-year outsourcing agreement with a recognized third party financial technology services provider (the “Financial Technology Services Agreement”). Under the terms of December 31, 2017this agreement, the third party has assumed full responsibility over a significant number of the Bank’s former support functions and staff, including certain back-office operations. This new relationship entails transitioning of our core data processing platform and other applications from previous software vendors to those offered by this third party financial technology service provider. This new agreement is expected to allow the Bank to achieve greater operational efficiencies and deliver more advanced solutions and services to our customers. Effective January 1, 2022, there were 80 employees who are no longer working for the Company wasas a wholly owned subsidiaryresult of Mercantil Servicios Financieros, C.A, (“the Former Parent”). On March 15, 2018, the Former Parent transferred ownership of 100% of the outstanding Company Class A common stock and Class B common stock (together, the “Company Shares,”) to a non-discretionary common law, grantor trust formed pursuant to a Distribution Agreement among the Former Parent, the Company and an unaffiliated trustee dated as of March 12, 2018, and governed by the laws of the State of Florida (the “Distribution Trust”).this new agreement. The Company completed the transition of its core data processing platform and other applications in the Former Parent are parties to an Amended and Restated Separation and Distribution Agreement dated asfourth quarter of June 12, 2018 that provided for the spin-off (the “Spin-off”) of the Company from the Former Parent.2023.

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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

The Distribution Trust was established byContract termination Costs

In connection with the Former Parent andimplementation of the Financial Technology Services Agreement, the Company pursuantrecorded estimated contract termination and related costs of approximately of $1.6 million and $7.1 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company does not expect to a Distribution Trust Agreement, as amended, with a Texas trust company, unaffiliatedincur significant contract termination costs in the future in connection with the Former Parent, as trustee. The Distribution Trust held 80.1%implementation of this agreement.

Other Restructuring Costs

In 2023, the Company Shares (the “Distributed Shares”) forrecorded severance costs of approximately $4.0 million, branch closure expenses and related charges of $2.3 million, consulting and other professional fees and software expenses totaling of $6.4 million and a charge of $1.4 million related to the benefitdisposition of fixed assets due to the Former Parent’s Class A and Class B common shareholderswrite off of record (“Record Holders”) on April 2, 2018 (“Record Date”). The remaining 19.9% ofin-development software.

In 2022, the Company Shares were heldrecorded severance costs of approximately $3.0 million, consulting and other professional fees of $3.6 million and branch closure expenses and related charges of $1.6 million.
Severance costs are included in “salaries and employees benefits expense” in the Distribution Trust for the benefitCompany’s consolidated statement of the Former Parent (the “Retained Shares”)operations and comprehensive income (loss).
The Distributed Shares were distributed to the Former Parent shareholders on August 10, 2018 (the “Distribution”). As a result of the Distribution, the Company became a separate company and its common stock was listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on August 13, 2018. The Distribution Trust held the Retained Shares pending their disposition by the Former Parent.
Initial Public Offering and Shares RepurchaseOptimizing Capital Structure
Subordinated Notes. On December 21, 2018,March 9, 2022, the Company completed an initial publica $30.0 million offering of subordinated notes with a 4.25% fixed-to-floating rate and due on March 15, 2032 (the “IPO”“Subordinated Notes”). See Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements10-Subordinated Notes, for more information about the IPO.details.
At December 31, 2018, the Former Parent beneficially owned less than 5%Stock Repurchases. In March of all of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System determined that the Former Parent no longer controlled2021, the Company for purposesannounced a repurchase program to purchase up to $40 million of the BHC Act.
In December 2018 in connection with the IPO, the Company repurchased approximately 1.4 million shares of Class B common stock from(the “Class B Common Stock Repurchase Program”). In September 2021, the Former Parent. In March 2019, following the partial exerciseCompany’s Board of the over-allotment option by the IPO’s underwriters, and completion of certain private placementsDirectors authorized a stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $50 million of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (the “Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program”), and terminated the Class B Common Stock Repurchase Program, previously authorized in March 2021.

In January 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program to repurchase up to $50 million of its shares of Class A common stock (the “New Common Stock Repurchase Program”). Also, in January 2022, the Company announced the completion of the Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program, previously authorized in September 2021. Lastly, in May 2022, the Company announced the completion of the New Common Stock Repurchase Program, previously authorized in January 2022.
On December 19, 2022, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may purchase, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of $25 million of its shares of Class A common stock (the “2023 Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program”).

In 2023, 2022 and 2021 the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the cancellation of all shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock repurchased in 2023, 2022 and 2021.
See Note 18-Stockholders’ Equity for details on all stock repurchases.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Clean-Up Merger. In November 2021, the remaining sharesCompany’s shareholders approved a clean-up merger pursuant to which a newly-created subsidiary of the Company, formed with the only purpose of effecting the clean-up merger, merged with and into the Company (the “Clean-Up Merger”). Under the terms of the Clean-up Merger, among other actions, each outstanding share of Class B common stock held bywas converted to 0.95 of a share of Class A common stock without any action on the Former Parent.part of the holders of Class B common stock. See Note 1618-Stockholders’ Equity for details on the Clean-Up Merger.
Dividends. In January 2024, and each of the four quarters of 2023 and 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.09 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock. In 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per share of the Company’s Class A common stock. See Note 18-Stockholders’ Equity for details on all dividends declared.
Wholly-owned Subsidiaries Mergers
On August 2, 2022, the Company completed an intercompany transaction of entities under common control, pursuant to ourwhich the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Amerant Florida Bancorp Inc. (“Amerant Florida”), merged with and into the Company, with the Company as sole survivor (the “Amerant Florida Merger”). In connection with the Amerant Florida Merger, the Company assumed all assets and liabilities of Amerant Florida, including its direct ownership of the Bank, the common capital securities issued by the 5 trust subsidiaries, and the junior subordinated debentures issued by Amerant Florida and related agreements. The Amerant Florida Merger had no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statementscondition and results of operations. See Note 11- Junior Subordinated Debentures Held By Trust Subsidiaries for additional information on the common capital securities issued by the five trust subsidiaries, and the junior subordinated debentures.

Changes in Ownership Interest in Amerant Mortgage
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had an ownership interest of 100% and 80% in Amerant Mortgage, respectively. On December 31, 2023, Amerant Mortgage became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company as it increased its ownership interest to 100% effective as of December 31, 2023. This transaction had no material impact to the Company’s results of operations in the year ended December 31, 2023. In connection with the change in ownership interest, which brought the noncontrolling interest share of equity to zero, the Company derecognized the equity attributable to noncontrolling interest of $3.8 million at December 31, 2023, with a corresponding reduction to additional paid-in capital as of that date.

On March 31, 2022, the Company contributed $1.5 million in cash to Amerant Mortgage, increasing its ownership interest to 57.4% as of March 31, 2022 from 51% as of December 31, 2021. In addition, in the three months ended June 30, 2022, the Company increased its ownership interest in Amerant Mortgage to 80% from 57.4% at March 31, 2022. This change was the result of: (i) two former principals of Amerant Mortgage surrendering their interest in Amerant Mortgage to the Company, when they became full time employees of the Bank (the “Transfer of Subsidiary Shares From Noncontrolling Interest”), and (ii) an additional contribution made by the Company of $1 million, in cash, to Amerant Mortgage in the three months ended June 30, 2022. As a result of the Transfer of Subsidiary Shares From Noncontrolling Interest, in the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company reduced its Additional Paid-in Capital by a total of $1.9 million with a corresponding increase to the equity attributable to Noncontrolling Interest.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Business Acquisition
On January 13, 2023 (the “ 2023 Acquisition Date”), Amerant Mortgage completed the acquisition of certain assets and the assumption of certain liabilities of F&B Acquisition Group LLC (“F&B”), including access to an assembled workforce and other identifiable intangibles which collectively constituted a business (the “F&B Acquisition.”) The F&B Acquisition was recorded as a business acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of approximately $2.0 million was paid in cash and included the fair value of certain loans held for sale of $1.0 million. Upon completion of the purchase price allowance in the forth quarter of 2023, the Company determined there was no contingent consideration required to be included as part of purchase price.The Company recorded goodwill of $1.0 million, which represented the excess of the initial purchase price over the estimated fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired, net of the liabilities assumed.

On May 12, 2021 (the “Acquisition Date”), Amerant Mortgage completed the acquisition of First Mortgage Company (“FMC”). Amerant Mortgage and FMC were ultimately merged, allowing Amerant Mortgage to operate its business nationally with direct access to federal housing agencies. We refer to these transactions as the “FMC Acquisition.” The FMC Acquisition was recorded as a business acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of approximately $1.0 million was paid in cash and represented the fair value of $0.5 million in mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) acquired, plus a premium of $0.5 million. No liabilities were assumed in the transaction. The Company allocated the premium paid on the purchase to an indefinite-lived intangible license which was recorded at its fair value of $0.5 million as of the Acquisition Date. The MSRs and premium assigned to an intangible asset were recorded in “Other assets” in the consolidated balance sheets. The transaction resulted in no goodwill.
Naming Rights

In September 2023, the Company acquired exclusive naming rights to an arena in Broward County, Florida. The naming rights have been recorded as an intangible asset with an offsetting liability for related payments to be made in the future. The naming rights intangible asset is included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The naming rights liability is included as part of other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Amerant SPV Investments

The Company, through Amerant SPV, has invested in equity and non-equity instruments issued by Marstone, Inc (“Marstone”), a digital wealth management fintech it has partnered with to provide digital wealth management and financial planning capabilities to new and existing customers. In connection with the equity investment, in November 2021, Gerald P. Plush, our Company’s Chairman, President & CEO, was appointed to Marstone’s Board of Directors as one of its seven individual members. In July 2023, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer replaced Mr. Plush in the role, and does not have individual power to control or direct the operations of Marstone. The Company’s equity investment in Marstone represents less than 5% of its voting power. In addition, the Company considers it does not have a variable interest in Marstone. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s investments in Marstone include equity investments of $0.5 million and $2.5 million, respectively, and non-equity investments of $1.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively. In 2023, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $2.0 million related to its equity investments in Marstone.

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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021


In October 2021, the Company invested $2.5 million in an equity instrument issued by Raistone Financial Corp (“Raistone”), a financial technology solutions provider launched in 2017 that offers working capital financing solutions. This equity investment represents less than 5% of Raistone’s voting power. In addition, the Company considers it does not have a variable interest in Raistone. There were no additional investments in Raistone in 2023 and 2022.
In December 2021, the Company became a strategic lead investor in the JAM FINTOP Blockchain fund (the “JAM FINTOP Fund”), with an initial commitment of approximately $5.4 million that may be expanded to $9.8 million should the Fund increase to its maximum target size of $200 million. Initially, the JAM FINTOP Fund will focus its investments on the blockchain “infrastructure layer” that will help regulated financial institutions compliantly operate blockchain-powered applications in areas such as lending, payments, and exchanges. As a strategic lead investor in the JAM FINTOP Fund, the Company expects to have access and become an early adopter of this transformational technology. At December 31, 2023 and 2022 the investment in the JAM FINTOP Fund amounts to $1.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
In May 2023, the Company became an investor in the Black Dragon Fund (“Black Dragon”). At December 31, 2023, the investment in Black Dragon amounted to $1.0 million.
These investments in Marstone, Raistone, Black Dragon and the Fund are recorded at their original cost and are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in other assets. The Company reviews these investments periodically for deterioration. At December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, other than the impairment charge discussed above in connection with the Company's investments in Marstone, the Company considers these investments are not deteriorated and did not record an impairment charge as a result.
Bank Owned Life Insurance
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company completed a restructuring of its bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) program. This was executed through a combination of a 1035 exchange and a surrender and reinvestment into a higher-yielding general account with a new investment grade insurance carrier. This transaction allowed for higher team member participation through an enhanced split-dollar plan. Estimated improved yields resulting from the enhancement have an earn-back period of approximately 2 years. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company recorded total additional expenses and charges of $4.6 million in connection with this transaction, including: (i) a reduction of $0.7 million to the cash surrender value of BOLI; (ii) transaction costs of $1.1 million, included as part of other operating expenses, and (iii) income tax expense of $2.8 million. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, the Company had a receivable from the prior insurance carrier for $62.5 million in connection with the restructuring of the Company’s BOLI in the fourth quarter of 2023, which was included as part of other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company collected in full this receivable from the prior insurance carrier in February 2024.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On June 8, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the Amerant Bancorp Inc. 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP” or the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is to provide eligible employees of the Company and its designated subsidiaries with the opportunity to acquire a stock ownership interest in the Company on favorable terms and to pay for such acquisitions through payroll deductions. All named executive officers, and all other executive officers of the Company who were eligible as of the enrollment deadline for the first offering period elected to participate in the Plan. See Note 14-Incentive Compensation and Benefit Plans for more information aboutdetails on the private placementsESPP.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and the repurchase of Retained Shares previously held by the Former Parent.Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

COVID-19 Pandemic
CARES Act. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization recognized an outbreak of a novel strain of the coronavirus, COVID-19, as a pandemic.
On March 13, 2020, The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the President of the Unites States of America (U.S.) declared a national state of emergency. In response to this outbreak, the governments of many states, citieseconomy, including significant changes in interest rates, and municipalitiesresulted in the U.S., including the Statesenactment of Florida, New York and Texas, have taken preventative or protective actions, such as imposing restrictions on business operations and advising or requiring individuals to limit or forego their time outside of their homes.
On March 16, 2020, the Company activated its Business Continuity Plan (“BCP”) to continue to provide its products and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company’s BCP plan is framed within regulatory guidelines and subject to periodic testing and independent audits. On June 3, 2020, the Company started Phase 1 of reintroducing employees working remotely back to the workplace. This involves following a careful, phased-approach which includes a voluntary return of a limited number of employees, based on work location, roles and responsibilities, and various safety protocols. On September 8, 2020, the Company started a new phase of reintroducing an increased number of employees back to the office, while ramping up safety protocols to protect the health and safety of employees. All Banking centers continue to operate on a regular schedule under strict federal, state and local government safety guidelines.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

CARES Act
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), an approximately $2.0 trillion COVID-19 response bill to provide. The CARES Act provided emergency economic relief to individuals, small businesses, mid-size companies, large corporations, hospitals and other public health facilities, and state and local governments, was enacted. The CARES Actand allocated the U.S Small Business Administration, or SBA, $350.0 billion to provide loans of up to $10.0 million per small business as defined in the CARES Act.
On April 2, 2020, the Bank began participating in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program, or “PPP”, by providing loans to thesequalifying businesses to cover payroll, rent, mortgage, healthcare, and utilities costs, among other essential expenses. On April 24, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, increasing funding to the PPP, was enacted. On July 4, 2020, new legislation was signed into law that extended the deadline to apply for loans under the PPP from June 30, 2020 until August 8, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, total2023 and 2022, PPP loansloan balances were $198.5 million, representing over 2,000 loan applications booked. The Company received non-refundable fees of $7.8 million for the origination of PPP loans duringnot significant. In the second quarter of 2020. The Company had salary and compensation benefits totaling $7.8 million, and other operational expenses totaling $0.7 million, directly related to the origination of these PPP loans. In accordance with GAAP, the Company deferred these non-refundable loan origination fees, net of the direct costs of loan originations which are being amortized over the term of the related loans as adjustments to interest income. In January 2021, the Company startedsold to process new applicationsa third party, in cash, PPP loans with an outstanding balance of approximately $95.1 million, and obtain approvals from the SBA in round threerealized a pretax gain on sale of the PPP authorized under a new law enacted on December 27, 2020.
Main Street Lending
$3.8 million. The Company originated loans as part of the Main Street Lendingretained no loan servicing rights on these PPP loans.
Loan Modification Program in the fourth quarter of 2020. Under this program, which ran through January 8, 2021, the Federal Reserve purchased 95% of each qualifying loan originated by the Company under such program to small and mid-sized businesses. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company received fees of approximately $0.5 million from the origination of $56.3 million of loans in this program as of December 31, 2020.
Loan Mitigation Programs
s. On March 26, 2020, the Company began offering loan payment relief options to customers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including deferralinterest only and/or forbearance options. These programs continued throughout 2020 and in the secondsix months ended June 30, 2021. In the third and fourth quartersquarter of 2020. Consistent with accounting and regulatory guidance, temporary modifications granted under2021, the Company ceased to offer these programs are not considered Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”).loan payment relief options, including interest-only and/or forbearance options. Loans which havethat had been modified under these programs totaled $1.1 billion as of December 31, 2020.2021. As of December 31, 2020, $43.4 million, or 0.7% of total2023 and 2022, there were no loans were still under thethese deferral and/or forbearance period. The balance as of December 31, 2020 includes $15.8 million of loans under a second deferral and $26.8 million under a third deferral, which the Company began to selectively offer as additional temporary loan modifications under programs that allow it to extend the deferral and/or forbearance period beyond 180 days.options.
Program Detail
December 31, 2020
(in thousands)
90-day payment deferral; interest added to principal balance upon modification and continues to accrue each month$38,627 
90-day interest payment deferral with no escrow payments4,457 
90-day interest payment deferral including escrow payments280 
180-day interest payment deferral
$43,364 
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021




b) Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Emerging Growth Company
Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that, as an “emerging growth company”, or EGC, thea Company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Therefore, an EGC can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. In 2019, the Federal bank regulators recognized or permitted public companies that are EGCs to delay the adoption of accounting pronouncements until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. The Company intends to take advantage of the benefits ofbenefited from this extended transition period from the date it became a publicly traded company through the date immediately prior to December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, the Company determined that it no longer qualified as an EGC as of December 31, 2022 and, therefore, was unable to continue to benefit from any extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards as longof that date. See discussion below of recently adopted accounting pronouncements as it is available and it is consistent with bank regulatory requirements.a result of this transition. See sections below for more details.
Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a description of the significant accounting policies and practices followed by the Company in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. These policies conform with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP).
Segment Reporting
The Company is managed using a single segment concept, on a consolidated basis, and management determined that no separate current or historical reportable segment disclosures are required under GAAP.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company evaluates whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity in the form of a variable-interest entity, or a voting interest entity.
Non-Controlling Interest
The Company records net loss attributable to non-controlling interests in its consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) equal to the percentage of the economic or ownership interest retained in the interest of Amerant Mortgage and presents non-controlling interests as a component of stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets and separately as net loss attributable to non-controlling interests on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). At December 31, 2023, Amerant Mortgage became a wholly-owned subsidiary and, as result, there was no noncontrolling interests at that date. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, non-controlling interests in Amerant Mortgage were 20% and 49%, respectively. In 2021 and throughout the first quarter of 2022, non-controlling interests in Amerant Mortgage was 49%.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include: i)(i) the determination of the allowance for loancredit losses; (ii) the fair values of loans, securities and the reporting unit to which goodwill has been assigned during the annual goodwill impairment test;derivative contracts; (iii) the cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance; and (iv) the determination of whether the amount of deferred tax assets will more likely than not be realized.realized; and (v) the determination of estimated contract termination costs. Management believes that these estimates are appropriate. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Income Recognition
Interest income is generally recognized onIn 2023 and 2022, noninterest expenses include $1.6 million and $7.1 million, respectively, of estimated contract termination costs associated with third party vendors resulting from the accrual basis usingCompany’s transition to our new technology provider. Contract termination costs represent estimated expenses to terminate contracts before the interest method. Non-refundable loan origination fees, net of direct costs of originating or acquiring loans, as well as loan purchase premiums and discounts, are deferred and amortized over the term of the related loans as adjustments to interest income using the level yield method. Purchase premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized as adjustments to interest income over the estimated lives of the securities using the level yield method.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

Brokerage and advisory activities include brokerage commissions and advisory fees. Brokerage commissions earned are related to the dollar amount of trading volume of customers’ transactions. Commissions and related clearing expenses are recorded on a trade-date basis as securities transactions occur. Advisory fees are derived from investment advisory fees and account administrative services. Investment advisory fees are recorded as earned on a pro rata basis over the term of the contracts, based on a percentage of the average value of assets managed during the period. These fees are assessed and collected at least quarterly. Account administrative fees are charged to customers for the maintenanceend of their accountsterms, and are earned and collected on a quarterly basis. Fiduciary activities fee income is recognized as earned on a pro rata basis over the term of contracts.
Card servicing fees include credit card issuance and credit and debit card interchange fees. Credit card issuance fees are generally recognized over the period in which the cardholders are entitled to use the cards. Interchange fees are recognized when earned. Trade finance servicing fees, which primarily include commissions on letters of credit, are generally recognized over the service period onCompany terminates a straight line basis.
Deposits and services fees include service charges on deposit accounts, fees for banking services provided to customers including wire transfers, overdrafts and non-sufficient funds. Revenue from these sources is generally recognizedcontract in accordance with published deposit account agreements for customer accountsits terms, generally considered the time when the Company gives written notice to the counterparty within the notification period contractually established, or when fixed and determinable per contractual agreements.
Data processing, rental income and fees for other servicesthe Company determines that it no longer derives economic benefits from the contracts. Contract termination costs also include expenses associated with the abandonment of existing capitalized projects which are no longer expected to related partiesbe completed as a result of a contract termination. Changes to initial estimated expenses to terminate contracts resulting from revisions to timing or the amount of estimated cash flows are recognized asin the services are provided in accordance with the termsperiod of the service agreements.changes.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Unvested shares of restricted stock are excluded from the basic earnings per share computation.
Diluted net income per common share reflects the number of additional common stock that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common stock had been issued. Dilutive potential common stock consist of unvested shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units and restrictedperformance stock units outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of potential common stock is calculated by applying the treasury stock method. The latter assumes dilutive potential common stock are issued and outstanding and the proceeds from the exercise, are used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period. The difference between the numbers of dilutive potential common stock issued and the number of shares purchased is included as incremental shares in the denominator to compute diluted net income per common stock. Dilutive potential common stock are excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation in the period in which the effect is anti-dilutive.
Changes in the number of shares outstanding as a result of stock dividends, stock splits, stock exchanges or reverse stock splits are given effect retroactively for all periods presented to reflect those changes in capital structure.
Income Recognition
Interest income is generally recognized on the accrual basis using the interest method. Non-refundable loan origination fees, net of direct costs of originating or acquiring loans, as well as loan purchase premiums and discounts, are deferred and amortized over the term of the related loans as adjustments to interest income using the level yield method. Purchase premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized as adjustments to interest income over the estimated lives of the securities using the level yield method.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Brokerage and advisory activities include brokerage commissions and advisory fees. Brokerage commissions earned are related to the dollar amount of trading volume of customers’ transactions. Commissions and related clearing expenses are recorded on a trade-date basis as securities transactions occur. The Company believes that the performance obligation is satisfied on the trade date because that is when the underlying financial instrument has been transferred to/from the customer. Advisory fees are derived from investment advisory fees and account administrative services. Investment advisory fees are recorded as earned on a pro rata basis over the term of the contracts, based on a percentage of the average value of assets managed during the period. The Company believes the performance obligation for providing advisory services is satisfied over time because the customer is receiving and consuming benefits as they are provided by the Company. These fees are assessed and collected at least quarterly. Account administrative fees are charged to customers for the maintenance of their accounts and are earned and collected on a quarterly basis. Fiduciary activities fee income is recognized as earned on a pro rata basis over the term of contracts.
Card servicing fees include credit and debit card interchange fees and other fees. Interchange fees are recognized when earned. Trade finance servicing fees, which primarily include commissions on letters of credit, are generally recognized over the service period on a straight line basis.

Deposits and services fees include service charges on deposit accounts, fees for banking services provided to customers including wire transfers, overdrafts and non-sufficient funds. Revenue from these sources is generally recognized in accordance with published deposit account agreements for customer accounts or when fixed and determinable per contractual agreements.
Loan-level derivative income is generated from back-to-back derivative transactions with commercial loan clients and with brokers. The Company earns a fee upon inception of the back-to-back derivative transactions, corresponding to the spread between a wholesale rate and a retail rate.

Stock-based Compensation
The Company may grant share-based compensation and other related awards to its non-employee directors, officers, employees and certain consultants. Compensation cost is measured based on the estimated fair value of the award at the grant date and recognized in earnings as an increase in additional paid in capital on a straight -linestraight-line basis over the requisite service period or vesting period.period for each separately vesting portion of each award when awards have graded vesting features. The fair value of the unvested shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units is based on the market price of the Company’s Class A common stock at the date of the grant. The fair value of performance stock units at the grant date is based on estimated fair values using an option pricing model.
The Company maintains an ESPP. The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase common stock at a 15% discount applied to the stock price at the beginning or end of the offering period, whichever is lower. Each offering period is six months in length with a purchase limit of 5,000 shares per eligible employee per offering period and a $25,000 per eligible employee contribution limit per year. Each offering period will begin the first trading day on or after June 1 and December 1 of each year. The fair value of the ESPP at the beginning of the offering period is based on an estimated fair value using an option pricing model. The Company recognizes compensation expense in an amount equal to the estimated fair value of the 15% discount plus the fair value of the look-back option, over the offering period.
Advertising Expenses
Advertising expenses are expensed as incurred, and includes amortization of naming rights intangible, except for media production costs which are expensed upon the first airing of the advertisement, and are included in other noninterest expenses.

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

Advertising Expenses
Advertising expenses are expensed as incurred and are included in other noninterest expenses.
Voluntary and Involuntary Early Retirement Plan Expenses and other Staff Reduction Costs
The Company accounts for voluntary and involuntary early retirement plan expenses and other staff reduction costs by establishing a liability for costs associated with the exit or disposal activity, including severance and other related costs, when the liability is incurred, rather than when we commit to an exit plan.
On October 9, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a voluntary early retirement plan for certain eligible long-term employees ( the “2020 Voluntary Plan”)In 2023, 2022 and an involuntary severance plan for certain other positions (the “2020 Involuntary Plan”) consistent with the Company’s effort to streamline operations2021, salaries and better align its operating structure with its business activities. The employees that elected to participate in the 2020 Voluntary Plan retired on or before December 31, 2020. The 2020 Involuntary Plan impacted employees most of whom no longer worked for the Company and/or its subsidiaries by December 31, 2020. On December 28, 2020, the Company determined the termination costs related to the 2020 Voluntary Plan and the 2020 Involuntary Plan. The Company incurred approximately $3.5employment benefits include $4.0 million, $3.0 million and $1.8$3.6 million, in voluntary and involuntary early retirement planrespectively, of severance expenses respectively, reported in salaries and benefits expense in the fourth quarter of 2020mainly in connection with the 2020 Voluntary Plan and the 2020 Involuntary Plan, respectively, the majority of which will be paid over time in the form of installment payments until December 2021.Company’s restructuring activities.
Offering Expenses
Specific, non-reimbursable, incremental costs directly attributable to a proposed or actual securities offerings are deferred and charged against the gross proceeds of the offering.
Loan-level derivative expenses
Loan-level derivative expenses are incurred in back-to-back derivative transactions with commercial loan clients and with brokers. The Company pays a fee upon inception of the back-to-back derivative transactions, corresponding to the spread between a wholesale rate and a retail rate.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company has defined as cash equivalents those highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less and include cash and cash due from banks, federal funds sold and deposits with banks.banks and other short-term investments.
The Company must comply with federal regulations requiring the maintenance of minimum reserve balances against its deposits. Effective March 26, 2020, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System reduced reserve requirements ratios to zero percent in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore, there were 0 reserve requirementsno reserves required at December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2019, the required reserve balance amounted to approximately $1.0 million. 2023 and 2022.
The Company maintains some of its cash deposited with third-party depository institutions for amounts that, at times, may be in excess of federally-insured limits mandated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

Securities
The Company classifies its investments in securities as debt securities available for sale, debt securities held to maturity and equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading. Securities classified as debt securities available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) or accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) in stockholders’ equity on an after-tax basis. Equity securities with readily determinable fair value not held for trading primarily consists of mutual funds carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Equity securities were classified as available for sale at December 31, 2018 in accordance with GAAP. Securities classified as debt securities held to maturity are securities the Company has both the ability and intent to hold until maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Investments in stock issued by the Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) are stated at their original cost, which approximates their realizable value. Realized gains and losses from sales of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. Securities purchased or sold are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as of the trade date. Receivables and payables to and from clearing organizations relating to outstanding transactions are included in other assets or other liabilities. At December 31, 20202023 and 20192022, securities receivables included in other assets amounted to $1.9$0.8 million and $2.2$0.9 million, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, securities payable related to purchases pending settlement and included in other liabilities amounted to $0.3 million.
The Company considers an investment in
For debt securities to be impaired when a decline inavailable for sale, the Company evaluates whether: (i) the fair value belowof the securities is less than the amortized cost basis is other-than-temporary. When an investment in debt securities is considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, the cost basis of the individual debt security is written down through earnings by an amount that corresponds to the credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment. The amount of the other-than-temporary impairment that corresponds to the noncredit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recorded in AOCI and is associated with debt securities which the Company does not intendcosts basis; (ii) it intends to sell, andor it is more likely than not that the Companyit will not be required to sell, the debt securities prior to thesecurity before recovery of its amortized cost basis, and (iii) the decline in fair value.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. The Company estimates the credit component of other-than-temporary impairmentlosses on debt securities available for sale using a discounted cash flow model. The Company estimates the expected cash flows of the underlying collateral using third party vendor models that incorporate management’s best estimate of current key assumptions, such as default rates, loss severity and prepayment rates (based on historical performance and stress test scenarios). Assumptions used can vary widely from debt security to debt security and are influenced by such factors as current debt service coverage ratio, historical prepayment rates, expected prepayment rates, and loans’ current interest rates. The Company then uses, as it deems appropriate, a third party vendor to determine how the underlying collateral cash flows will be distributed to each debt security. The present value of an impaired debt security results from estimating its future cash flows that are expected to be collected, discounted at the debt security’s effective interest rate. The Company expectsdevelops its estimates about cash flows expected to recoverbe collected and determines whether a credit loss exists, generally using information about past events, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and other qualitative factors including the remaining noncreditextent to which fair value is less than amortized cost basis, adverse conditions specifically related unrealizedto the security, industry or geographic area, changes in conditions of any collateral underlying the securities, changes in credit ratings, failure of the issuer to make scheduled payments, among other qualitative factors specific to the applicable security. If a credit loss exists, the Company records an allowance for the credit losses, included as a component of AOCI or AOCL.limited to the amount by which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. The Company recognizes in AOCI/AOCL any decline in the fair value below amortized cost on debt securities available for sale that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses.


Loans Held for Sale, at Lower of Cost or Fair Value
Loans originated for investment are transferred into the held for sale classification at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, when they are specifically identified for sale and a formal plan exists to sell them. When the Company determines that a formal plan to sell loans in this category no longer exists, the Company reclassifies these loans to loans held for investment at their carrying value at the date of the transfer, with the loans’ carrying value becoming their new basis. Any resulting difference between the loans unpaid principal amount and their carrying value is amortized through earning for the remainder lives of the loans.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale, at Fair Value
Mortgage loans originated for sale are carried at fair value under the fair value option, with changes in fair value recognized in current period earnings presented in other income. The fair value is measured on an individual loan basis using quoted market prices and when not available, comparable market value or discounted cash flow analysis may be utilized. Gains and losses on loan sales are recognized in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.
Loans Held for Investment
Loans represent extensions of credit which the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff. These extensions of credit consist of commercial real estate loans, or CRE loans, (including land acquisition, development and construction loans), owner occupied real estate loans, single-family residential loans, commercial loans, loans to financial institutions and acceptances, and consumer loans. Amounts included in the loan portfolio are stated at the amount of unpaid principal,loans unamortized costs reduced by unamortized net deferred loan fees and origination costs and an allowance for credit losses if any. The unamortized cost of a loan losses.consists of its unpaid principal balance, unamortized premiums, discounts and deferred loan origination fees and costs, net of amounts previously charged off. Unamortized premiums, discounts and deferred loan origination costs, netincluding premiums paid on purchases of deferred fees,indirect consumer loans as well as purchases of single-family residential loans and other loans, amounted to $15.5$11.2 million and $7.7$17.8 million at December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, respectively.

A loan is placed in nonaccrual status when management believes that collection in full of the principal amount of the loan or related interest is in doubt. Management considers that collectability is in doubt when any of the following factors are present, among others: (1) there is a reasonable probability of inability to collect principal, interest or both, on a loan for which payments are current or delinquent for less than ninety days; or (2) when a required payment of principal, interest or both, is delinquent for ninety days or longer, unless the loan is considered well secured and in the process of collection in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Once a loan to a single borrower has been placed in nonaccrual status, management reviews all loans to the same borrower to determine their appropriate accrual status. When a loan is placed in nonaccrual status, accrual of interest and amortization of net deferred loan fees or costs are discontinued, and any accrued interest receivable is reversed against interest income.
Payments received on a loan in nonaccrual status are generally applied to its outstanding principal amount, unless there are no doubts on the full collection of the remaining recorded investment in the loan. When there are no doubts on the full collection of the remaining recorded investment in the loan, and there is sufficient documentation to support the collectability of that amount, payments of interest received may be recorded as interest income.
A loan in nonaccrual status is returned to accrual status when none of the conditions noted when first placed in nonaccrual status are currently present, none of its principal and interest is past due, and management believes there are reasonable prospects of the loan performing in accordance with its terms. For this purpose, management generally considers there are reasonable prospects of performance in accordance with the loan terms when at least six months of principal and interest payments or principal curtailments have been received, and current financial information of the borrower demonstrates that the borrower has the capacity to continue to perform into the near future.
The total outstanding principal amount of a loan is reported as past due thirty days following the date of a missed scheduled payment, based on the contractual terms of the loan.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Loans which have been modified because the borrowers were experiencing financial difficulty and the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtors’ financial difficulties, granted a concession to the debtors that it would not have otherwise considered, are accounted for asconsidered troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”).

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

In 2020, the Company began offering customized loan payment relief options as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including deferral and forbearance options. Consistent with accounting and regulatory guidance, temporary modifications granted under these programs are not considered TDRs. See “ Loan Mitigation Programs” discussion above for more information on these modifications.
Allowance for LoanCredit Losses (ACL)
In 2022, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 326 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326), which replaced the incurred loss methodology for estimated probable loan losses with an expected credit loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology.
The allowanceACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of financial assets carried at their amortized cost, including loans held for loan losses (“ALL”) represents an estimateinvestment and debt securities held to maturity, to present the net amount that is expected to be collected throughout the life of the current amount of principal thatfinancial asset. The estimated ACL is probable the Company will be unable to collect given facts and circumstances as of the evaluation date, and includes amounts arising from loans individually and collectively evaluated for impairment. These estimated amounts are recorded through a provision for loancredit losses charged against income.operations. Management periodically evaluates the adequacy of the ALLACL to maintain it at a level believed reasonableit believes to provide for recognized and unrecognized but inherent losses in the loan portfolio.be reasonable. The Company uses the same methods used to determine the ALLACL to assess any reserves needed for off-balance sheet credit risks such as unfunded loan commitments and contingent obligations on letters of credit. These reserves for off-balance sheet credit risks are presented in the liabilities section in the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company developsACL consists of two components: an asset-specific component for estimating credit losses for individual loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans; and documents itsa pooled component for estimating credit losses for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics. The ACL for the pooled component is derived from an estimate of expected credit losses primarily using an expected loss methodology to determine the ALL at the portfolio segment level. The Company determines its loan portfolio segmentsthat incorporates risk parameters such as probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) which are derived from various vendor models and/or internally developed model estimation approaches for smaller homogenous loans.

PD is projected in these models or estimation approaches using economic scenarios, whose outcomes are weighted based on the type of loans it carriesCompany’s economic outlook and their associated risk characteristics. The Company’s loan portfolio segments are: Real Estate, Commercial, Financial Institutions, Consumerare developed to incorporate relevant information about past events, current conditions, and Other. Loans in these portfolio segments have distinguishing borrower needsreasonable and differing risks associated with each product type.
Real estate loans includesupportable forecasts. For commercial loans secured by real estate properties. Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate properties are generally granted to finance the acquisition or operation of commercial real estate properties, with terms similar to the properties’ useful lives or the operating cycle of the businesses. The main source of repayment of these real estate loansabove $3 million, LGD is derived from cash flows or conversion of productive assets and not from the income generated by the disposition of the property held as collateral. The main repayment source of loans granted to finance land acquisition, development and construction projects is generallytypically derived from the disposition of the properties held as collateral, with the repayment capacity of the borrowers and any guarantors considered as alternative sources of repayment.
Commercial loans correspond to facilities established forCompany’s own loss experience based on specific business purposes such as financing working capital and capital improvements projects and asset-based lending, among others. These may be loan commitments, uncommitted lines of credit to qualifying customers, short term (one year or less) or longer term credit facilities, and may be secured, unsecured or partially secured. Terms on commercial loans generally do not exceed five years, and exceptions are documented. Commercial loans secured by owner-occupied real estate properties are generally granted to finance the acquisition or operation of commercial real estate properties, with terms similar to the properties’ useful lives or the operating cycle of the businesses. The main source of repayment of theserisk characteristics.For commercial real estate loans, the LGD is derived from cash flowsvendor models using property and not from the income generated by the dispositionloan risk characteristics. The estimation of the property held as collateral. CommercialACL for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics involves inputs and assumptions, many of which are derived from vendor and internally-developed models. These inputs and assumptions include, among others, the selection, evaluation and measurement of the reasonable and supportable forecast scenarios, PD and LGD which requires management to borrowers in similar businessesapply a significant amount of judgment and involves a high degree of estimation uncertainty. The ACL estimation process applies an economic forecast scenario or productsa composite of scenarios based on management's judgment and expectations around the current and future macroeconomic outlook. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term of a loan excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modification under certain conditions.

For smaller-balance homogeneous pooled loans with similar risk characteristics such as collateral type and loan purpose (e.g., residential, small business lending under $3 million, consumer and land loans), other modeling techniques are used.These include modeling that relies upon observable inputs such as historical or specificaverage loss rates by year of loan origination (i.e.,vintage) and prepayment considerations for future expected contractual loan outstanding balances.

For the smaller-balance homogenous pooled loan segments, the quantitative estimates of expected credit requirementslosses are generally evaluated under a standardized commercialthen adjusted to incorporate considerations of current trends and conditions that are not captured in the quantitative credit program. Commercial loans outsideloss estimates through the scopeuse of those programs are evaluatedqualitative or environmental factors. The measurement of expected credit losses on a casethese loan segments is influenced by case basis, with consideration of any exposure under an existing commercial credit program.
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances are facilities granted to fund certain transactions classified according to their risk level, and primarily include trade financing facilities through letters of credits, bankers’ acceptances, pre- and post-export financing, and working capital loans, among others. Loans in this portfolio segment are generally granted for terms not exceeding three years and on an unsecured basis under the limits of an existing credit program, primarily to large financial institutions in Latin America which the Company believes are of high quality. Prior to approval, management also considers cross-border and portfolio limits set forth in its programs and credit policies.macro-economic conditions.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
Consumer and other loans are retail open-end and closed-end credits extended to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures. These loans include loans to individuals secured by their personal residence, including first mortgage, home equity and home improvement loans as well as revolving

Expected credit card agreements. Because these loans generally consist of a large number of relatively small-balance, homogeneous loans for each type, their risks are generally evaluated collectively.
An individual loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due, including both principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The Company generally considers as impaired all loans in nonaccrual status, and other loans classified in accordance with an internal risk grading system exceeding a defined threshold when it is probable that an impairment exists and the amount of the potential impairment is reasonably estimable. To determine when it is probable that an impairment exists, the Company considers the extent to which a loan may be inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or any guarantor, or by the current value of the collateral.
When a loan is considered impaired, the potential impairment is measured as the excess of the carrying value of the loan over the present value of expected future cash flows at the measurement date, or the fair value of the collateral in the case where the loan is considered collateral-dependent. If the amount of the present value of the loan’s expected future cash flows exceeds the loan’s carrying amount, the loan is still considered impaired but no impairment is recorded. The present value of an impaired loan results from estimating its future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. In the case of loans considered collateral-dependent, which are generally certain real estate loans for which repayment is expected to be provided solely by the operation or sale of the underlying collateral, the potential impairment is measured based on the fair value of the asset pledged as collateral. The ALLlosses on loans considered TDR is generally determined by discounting the restructured cash flows by the original effective interest rate on the loan.
Loans that do not meet the criteria of an individually impaired loan are collectively evaluated for impairment. These loans include large groups of smaller homogeneous loan balances, such as loans in the consumer and other loan portfolio segment, and all other loans that have not been individually identified as impaired. This group of collective loans is evaluated for impairment based on measures of historical losses associated with loans within their respective portfolio segments adjusted by a variety of qualitative factors. These qualitative factors incorporate the most recent data reflecting current economic conditions, industry performance trends or obligor concentrations within each portfolio segment, among other factors. Other adjustments may be made to the allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment based on any other pertinent information that management considers may affect the estimation of the ALL, including a judgmental assessment of internal and external influences on credit quality that are not fully reflected in historical loss or their risk rating data. The measures of historical losses and the related qualitative adjustments are updated quarterly and semi-annually, respectively, to incorporate the most recent loan loss data reflecting current economic conditions.
Loans to borrowers that are domiciled in foreign countries, primarily loans in the Consumer and Financial Institutions portfolio segments,portfolios are also evaluated for impairmentgenerally estimated by assessing available cash or other types of collateral, and the probability of additional losses arising from the Company’s exposure to transfer risk. The Company defines transfer risk exposure as the possibility that a loan obligation cannot be serviced in the currency of payment (U.S. Dollars) because the borrower’s country of origin may not have sufficient available currency of payment or may have put restraints on its availability, such as currency controls. To determine an individual country’s transfer risk probability, the Company assigns numerical values corresponding to the perceived performance of that country in certain macroeconomic, social and political factors generally considered in the banking industry for evaluating a country’s transfer risk. A defined country’s transfer risk probability is assigned to that country based on an average of the individual scores given to those factors, calculated using an interpolation formula. The results of this evaluation are also updated semi-annually.
collateral assets. Loans in the Real Estate, these portfolio are generally fully collateralized with cash, securities and other assets and, therefore, generally have no expected credit losses.

Commercial real estate, commercial and Financial Institutions portfolio segmentsfinancial institution loans are charged off against the ALLACL when they are considered uncollectable.uncollectible. These loans are considered uncollectableuncollectible when a loss becomes evident to management, which generally occurs when the following conditions are present, among others: (1) a loan or portions of a loan are classified as “loss” in accordance with the internal risk and credit monitoring grading system; (2) a collection attorney has provided a written statement indicating that a loan or portions of a loan are considered uncollectible; and (3) when loans are evaluated individually and the carrying value of a collateral-dependent loan exceeds the appraised value of the asset held as collateral.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Consumer and other retail loans are charged off against the ALLACL at the earlier of (1) when management becomes aware that a loss has occurred, or (2) beginning effective as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, when closed-end retail loans become past due 12090 days (120 days previously) or open-end retail loans become past due 180 days from the contractual due date. For open and closed-end retail loans secured by residential real estate, any outstanding loan balance in excess of the fair value of the property, less cost to sell, is charged off no later than when the loan is 180 days past due from the contractual due date. Consumer and other retail loans may not be charged off when management can clearly document that a past due loan is well secured and in the process of collection such that collection will occur regardless of delinquency status in accordance with regulatory guidelines applicable to these types of loans.
The Company modifies loans related to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties by providing multiple types of concessions. When the Company modifies loans by providing principal forgiveness, the amount of the principal forgiveness is deemed to be uncollectible and, therefore, that portion of the loan is written off resulting in a reduction of the amortized cost basis and a corresponding adjustment to the ACL.
Recoveries on loans represent collections received on amounts that were previously charged off against the ALL.ACL. Recoveries are credited to the ALLACL when received, to the extent of the amount previously charged off against the ALLACL on the related loan. Any amounts collected in excess of this limit are first recognized as interest income, then as a reduction of collection costs, and then as other income.
Accrued Interest Receivable
The Company has elected to present accrued interest receivable related to loans, debt securities available for sale and held to maturity as part of other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Therefore, accrued interest receivable is excluded from the amortized cost basis of loans, debt securities available for sale and held to maturity. The Company generally does not estimate an ACL on accrued interest receivable balances since uncollectible accrued interest is timely written off in accordance with the Company's accounting policies for non-accrual loans. Accrued interest receivable on nonaccrual loans is written off by reversing interest income.

Transfers of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales or purchases when control over the assets has been surrendered by the transferor. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the transferor, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the transferor does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Debt Modifications
Debt modifications or restructures which are not considered a TDR, are accounted for as modifications if the terms of the new debt and original instrument are not considered substantially different. The debt is not considered substantially different when the present value of cash flows under the terms of the new debt instrument are less than 10% different from the present value of remaining cash flows under the terms of the original instrument. If the new debt is not considered substantially different, the original debt is derecognized and the new debt is recorded at fair value, with any prepayment penalty being amortized over the life of the new borrowing. If the new debt is considered substantially different, the original debt is derecognized with any prepayment penalty recorded as a loss on debt extinguishment as a component of noninterest income.
Premises and Equipment, Net
Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred; renewals, betterments and interest during construction are capitalized. Gains or losses on sales of premises and equipment are recorded as other noninterest income at the date of sale.
The Company leases various premises for bank branches under operating leases. The leases have varying terms, with most containing renewal options and annual increases in base rents. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the remaining term of the lease.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, when the independent and identifiable cash flow of a single asset may not be determinable, the long-lived asset may be grouped with other assets of like cash flows. Recoverability of an asset or group of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount with future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or group of assets. If an asset is considered impaired, the impairment recognized is generally measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or group exceeds its fair value.

Leases
The Company determines whether a contract is or contains a lease at inception. For leases with terms greater than twelve months under which the Company is lessee, right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recorded at the commencement date. Lease liabilities are initially recorded based on the present value of future lease payments over the lease term. Right-of-use assets are initially recorded at the amount of the associated lease liabilities plus prepaid lease payments and initial direct costs, less any lease incentives received. The cost of short term leases is recognized on a straight line basis over the lease term. The lease term includes options to extend if the exercise of those options is reasonably certain and includes termination options if there is reasonable certainty the options will not be exercised. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the appropriate term and information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments, unless an implicit rate is defined in the contract or is determinable, which is generally not the case. Leases are classified as financing or operating leases at commencement; generally, leases are classified as finance leases when effective control of the underlying asset is transferred. All the leases under which the Company is lessee are classified as operating leases. For operating leases, lease cost is recognized in earnings on a straight line basis over the lease terms.Variable lease costs are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those costs is incurred. Sublease income is recognized as a reduction to lease cost over a straight line basis over the lease terms.
The Company provides equipment financing through a variety of loan and lease structures, including direct or sale type finance leases and operating leases. Direct or sale type finance leases are carried at the aggregate of lease payments receivable and estimated residual value of the leased property, if applicable, less unearned income. Interest income is recognized over the term of the direct or sale type finance leases to achieve a constant periodic rate of return on the outstanding investment. Operating leases are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Rental income in connection with operating leases are included as part of other noninterest income in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021


Mortgage Servicing Rights
The Company recognizes as an asset the rights to service mortgage loans (“MSRs”), either when the mortgage loans are sold to third parties and the associated servicing rights are retained or when servicing rights are obtained from acquisitions. These MSRs are initially recorded at fair value. The Company has elected to subsequently measure all MSRs at fair value. MSRs are reported on the consolidated balance sheets in the “Other assets” section, with changes to the fair value recorded as other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, MSRs totaled $1.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
Bank Owned Life Insurance
Bank owned life insuranceBOLI policies (“BOLI”) are recorded at the cash surrender value of the insurance contracts, which represent the amount that may be realizable under the contracts, at the consolidated balance sheet dates. Changes to the cash surrender value are recorded as other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of operations.
Other Real Estate Owned and Repossessed Assets
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TableThe Company, from time to time, receives other real estate property, or OREO, and non-real estate repossessed assets, in full or partial satisfaction of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc.its loans. OREO and Subsidiaries
Notesnon-real estate repossessed assets are recorded at the fair value of the asset less the estimated cost to Consolidated Financial Statements
sell, and the loan amount reduced for the remaining balance of the loan. The amount by which the cost basis in the loan exceeds the fair value (net of estimated cost to sell) of the asset is charged to the ACL. Upon transfer to OREO and repossessed assets, the fair value less cost to sell becomes the new cost basis for the asset. Subsequent declines in the fair value of the assets below the new cost basis are recorded through the use of a valuation allowance. The fair value of OREO is generally based upon recent appraisal values of the property, less cost to sell. The fair value of non-real estate repossessed assets is generally provided by third parties based om their assumptions and quoted market prices for similar assets, when available. At December 31, 2020, 20192023 the Company had OREO totaling $20.2 million (none at December 31, 2022) and 2018
is reported on the consolidated balance sheet in Other assets. In 2023, the Company repossessed and sold assets with a carrying value of $6.4 million and realized a loss on sale of approximately $2.6 million. There was no other repossessed assets activity in 2022.

Income Taxes
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the balance sheet method. Under this method, the resulting net deferred tax asset is determined based on the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. The effect of changes in tax laws or rates is recognized in results in the period that includes the legislation enactment date. A valuation allowance is established against the deferred tax asset to the extent that management believes that it is more likely than not that any tax benefit will not be realized. Income tax expense is recognized on the periodic change in deferred tax assets and liabilities at the current statutory rates.
The results of operations of the Company and the majority of its wholly owned subsidiaries are included in the consolidated federal income tax return of the Company and its subsidiaries as members of the same consolidated tax group.
Under the intercompany income tax allocation policy, the Company and the subsidiaries included in the consolidated federal tax group are allocated current and deferred taxes as if they were separate taxpayers. As a result, the subsidiaries included in the consolidated group pay their allocation of income taxes to the Company, or receive payments from the Company to the extent that tax benefits are realized.

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Goodwill
Goodwill primarily represents the excess of consideration paid over the fair value of the net assets of a savings bank acquired in 2006 and the Cayman Bank in 2019.transactions recorded as business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for potential impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis in the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate a potential impairment. As part of its testing, the Company may elect to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount which includes goodwill (“Step 0”). If the results of Step 0 indicate that more likely than not the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount, the Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit relative to its carrying amount, including goodwill (“Step 1”). The Company may also elect to bypass Step 0 and begin with Step 1. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired. However, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then an additional procedure must be performed (“Step 2”). In Step 2, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwillimpairment loss exists and is comparedrecognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the carryingtotal amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value at the measurement date.goodwill. At December 31, 20202023, the Company determined that goodwill related to its subsidiaries Amerant Mortgage and 2019,the Cayman Bank was impaired and, therefore, recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $1.3 million in 2023. At December 31, 2022, goodwill was considered not impaired and, therefore, 0no impairment charges were recorded.recorded in 2022.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are classified as secured borrowings and are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction.

Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments are recognized on the consolidated balance sheetsheets as other assets or other liabilities, at their respective fair values. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument is dependent upon whether the derivative has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship. For derivative instruments that have not been designated and qualified as hedging relationships, the change in their fair value is recognized in current period earnings. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments is initially recognized as a component of AOCI or AOCL, and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss, if any, is recognized immediately in earnings. The Company has designated certain derivatives as cash flow hedges. Management periodically evaluates the effectiveness of these hedges in offsetting the fluctuations in cash flows due to changes in benchmark interest rates.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

The Company also enters into interest rate swaps to provide commercial loan clients the ability to swap from a variable interest rate to a fixed rate. The Company enters into a floating-rate loan with a customer with a separately issued swap agreement allowing the customer to convert floating payments of the loan into a fixed interest rate. To mitigate risk, the Company will generally enter into a matching agreement with a third party to offset the exposure on the customer agreement. These swaps are not considered to be qualified hedging relationships and therefore, all unrealized gain or loss is recorded inas part of other non-interestnoninterest income.
The Company enters into certain contracts involving the risk of dealing with financial institutional derivative counterparties to manage the credit risk exposure on certain interest rate swaps with customers. These contracts are carried at fair value and recorded in the consolidated balance sheet within other assets or other liabilities.


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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Fair Value Measurement
Financial instruments are classified based on a three-level valuation hierarchy required by GAAP. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities may include debt and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as certain U.S. securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.
Level 2Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets and liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange traded instruments which value is determined by using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. This category generally may include U.S. government and U.S. Government Sponsored Enterprise mortgage backed debt securities and corporate debt securities.
Level 3Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities may include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Reclassifications
In 2023 and 2022, advertising expenses are presented separately in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Prior to 2022, these expenses were presented as a component of other noninterest expenses in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Also, in 2023 and 2022, loan- level derivative expenses are presented separately in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Prior to 2022, these expenses were presented as a component of professional and other services fees in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
In 2023, OREO and repossessed assets, net expense is presented separately in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). OREO and repossessed assets expense includes expenses and revenue (rental income) from the operation of foreclosed property/assets as well as fair value adjustments and gains/losses from the sale of OREO and repossessed assets. In 2022 and 2021, while OREO valuation expense was presented separately, all other OREO-related expenses were presented as part of other operating expenses in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). We had no other repossessed assets as of December 31, 2023, and as of and for the years ended December 31 2022 and 2021.

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021


c) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Issued and Adopted
ChangesGuidance on Accounting for Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In 2022, the Company adopted ASC Topic 326 on CECL. The Company adopted the CECL guidance as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption, January 1, 2022, using a modified retrospective approach for all its financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. The following table reflects the impact of adopting CECL on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets:
 January 1, 2022
(in thousands)As Reported Under ASC 326Pre-ASC 326 AdoptionImpact of ASC 326 Adoption
Assets
Allowance for credit losses$88,573 $69,899 $18,674 
Deferred tax assets, net16,103 11,301 4,802 
Liabilities
Reserve for unfunded credit commitments1,702 1,702 — 
Stockholder’s Equity
Retained earnings539,295 553,167 (13,872)

Upon CECL adoption, the Company did not record a change to the Disclosure Requirementsallowance for credit losses for off-balance sheet credit exposures, and the Company did not record an allowance for credit losses for debt securities available for sale and held to maturity. See Note 3-Securities for more details on the determination of expected credit losses on debt securities available for sale and held to maturity.

Guidance on Troubled Debt Restructurings

In March 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that eliminates the recognition and measurement guidance on troubled debt restructurings, or TDR, for creditors, and aligns it with existing guidance to determine whether a loan modification results in a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. Theguidance also requires enhanced disclosures about certain loan modifications by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The amended guidance is effective in periods beginning after December 15, 2022 using either a prospective or modified retrospective transition approach. Early adoption was permitted if an entity had already adopted the guidance on accounting for credit losses on financial instruments (“CECL”). The Company adopted thisguidance on TDR as of January 1, 2023, and determined that its adoption had no material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Guidance on Fair Value MeasurementsHedges

In August 2018,March 2022, the FASB issued amendmentsamended guidance to the disclosure requirements forexpand and clarify existing guidance on fair value measurements.hedge accounting of interest rate risk for portfolios of financial assets. The amendments modifyclarify, among others, the “last-of-layer” method for making the fair value measurements disclosures withhedge accounting for these portfolios more accessible. The amendment also improves the primary focuslast-of-layer concepts and expands them to improve effectiveness of disclosuresnon-prepayable financial assets, allowing more flexibility in the notesstructure of derivatives used to the financial statements thathedge interest rate risk. The amended guidance is most important to the users. The new guidance modifies the required disclosures related to the valuation techniques and inputs used, uncertainty in measurement, and changes in measurements applied. These amendments are effective for allpublic business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amended guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption2023. The amended guidance is permitted.
available for early adoption. The Company adopted these amendments during the year ended December 31, 2020 withthis guidance as of January 1, 2023, and determined that its adoption had no material impact to its consolidated financial statements.
Issued and Not Yet Adopted
Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting

On March 12, 2020, the FASB issued amendments to guidance applicable to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. These amendments provide optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022, that an entity has elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The amendments also allowsallow entities to make a one-time election to sell, transfer, or both sell and transfer debt securities classified as held to maturity that reference a rate affected by reference rate reform and that are classified as held to maturity before January 1, 2020. TheseIn December 2022, the FASB issued new guidance to extend the sunset date of this guidance from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024, after which entities will no longer be permitted to apply the relief under this guidance. Prior to this new guidance, these amendments arewere effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is in the process of evaluating the implications of these amendments to its current efforts for reference rate reform implementation.
New Guidance on Leases
In December 2018, the FASB issued amendments to pending new guidance issued in February 2016 for the recognition and measurement of all leases which has not yet been adopted by the Company. These amendments address certain lessor’s issues associated with: (i) sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from lessees, (ii) certain lessor costs and, (iii) recognition of variable payments for contracts with lease and non-lease components. The new guidance on leases issued in February 2016 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for most leases within the scope of the guidance. There were no significant changes to the guidance for lessors. These amendments, and the related pending new guidance, can be adopted using a modified retrospective transition at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented, and provides for certain practical expedients.

During 2021, the Company completed its assessment of all third-party-provided products, services, and systems that would be affected by any changes to references to LIBOR, including changes to all relevant systems. Beginning in January 2022, the Company started referencing new loans and other products, including loan-level derivatives to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). In May 2020,2023, the Company completed the migration of all variable rate loans, derivative contracts and other financial instruments from LIBOR to SOFR.

Issued and Not Yet Adopted
New Guidance for Segment Reporting
In November 2023, the FASB again amended the effective date of theissued new guidance on leases. Previously,to improve disclosure requirements for reportable segments, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. In addition, the amendments require entities to provide all annual disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and relatedassets currently required under FASB ASC Topic 280 in interim periods. Also, this guidance clarifies circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss and provides new guidance on leases weresegment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment. For public business entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020,2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, for private companies.2024. The newCompany is in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance on leases is now effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption is still permitted.its consolidated financial statements when adopted.


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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
The Company has completed the process of gathering a complete inventory of its lease contracts, migrating identified lease data onto a new system, and is in the final stages of testing and evaluating the results of testing. BasedNew Guidance on these results, we currently expect to recognize an asset and a corresponding lease liability for an amount to be less than 1% of the Company’s total consolidated assets at adoption. The Company plans to adopt the new guidance in its consolidated financial statements in the first quarter of 2021.Income Taxes

Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

In August 2017,December 2023, the FASB issued targeted amendmentsamended guidance that requires entities to the guidanceprovide additional income tax disclosures for recognition, presentationannual and interim periods. This includes the disclosure of hedging activities. These targetedmore detailed information on income tax reconciliations and income tax paid. In addition, the amendments expand remove certain existing disclosure requirements related to uncertain tax positions and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and alignunrecognized deferred tax liabilities. For public business entities, the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The amendments also simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance. In June 2020, the FASB amended the effective date of the new guidance on hedging. This guidance isare effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018,2025. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements when adopted.

New Guidance for Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions
On June 30, 2022, the FASB issued new guidance to improve fair value guidance for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions. These amendments clarify that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, interim periods within those fiscal yearstherefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The amendments also clarify that an entity cannot, as a separate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. The amendments also require additional disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions. For public business entities. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020,2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company currently believes adoption of these amendments will not have a material impact to its consolidated financial statements when adopted in the first quarter of 2021.years. The Company is currently assessingin the process of evaluating the impact of this new guidance may have on the Company’s footnote disclosures to its consolidated financial statements when adopted.
New Guidance on Accounting for Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB issued the new guidance on accounting for current expected credit losses on financial instruments (“CECL.”) The new guidance introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on various financial instruments, including loans. It also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and provides for a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration since their origination.
In November 2018, the FASB issued amendments to pending new guidance on CECL to, among other things, align the implementation date for private companies’ annual financial statements with the implementation date for their interim financial statements. Prior to the issuance of these amendments, the guidance on accounting for CECL was effective for private companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within those fiscal years, for private companies.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

In November 2019, the FASB amended the effective date of the new guidance on CECL. Previously, the amendments and related new guidance on CECL was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal to those years, for private companies. The new guidance on CECL is now effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is still permitted. The new guidance on CECL is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those years, for public companies.
The Company is currently assessing the impact that these changes will have on its consolidated financial statements, when adopted. As an EGC, the Company currently plans to adopt the new guidance on CECL in its consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2023, or earlier in the event the Company ceases to be an EGC.
d) Subsequent Events
The effects of significant subsequent events, if any, have been recognized or disclosed in these consolidated financial statements.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

2. Interest Earning Deposits with Banks, Other Short-Term Investments and Restricted Cash
At December 31, 20202023 and 20192022 interest earning deposits with banks are mainly comprised of deposits with the Federal Reserve of approximately $184$243 million and $93$229 million, respectively. At December 31, 20202023 and 20192022 the average interest rate on these deposits was approximately 0.31%5.64% and 2.19%1.79%, respectively. These deposits mature within one year.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company held US Treasury Bills classified as part of other short-term investments in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2023, the Company held $6.1 million with an average yield of 4.80% related to these investments. These other short-term investments have a stated maturity of 90 days or less and as such are deemed cash and cash equivalents. There were no other short-term investments at December 31, 2022.
one
year.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had restricted cash balances of $25.8 million and $42.2 million, respectively. These balances include cash pledged as collateral, by other banks to us, to secure derivatives’ margin calls. This cash pledged as collateral also represents an obligation, by the bank, to repay according to margin requirements. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, this obligation was $25.0 million and $41.6 million, respectively, which is included as part of other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In addition, we have cash balances pledged as collateral to secure the issuance of letters of credit by other banks on behalf of our customers.

3.Securities
a) Debt Securities
Debt securities available for sale
Amortized cost, allowance for credit losses and approximate fair values of debt securities available for sale at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are summarized as follows:
December 31, 2020
Amortized
Cost
Gross UnrealizedEstimated
Fair Value
(in thousands)GainsLosses
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities$640,796 $21,546 $(1,007)$661,335 
Corporate debt securities292,033 10,787 (1,106)301,714 
U.S. government agency debt securities202,135 4,458 (2,015)204,578 
U.S. treasury securities2,505 2,512 
Municipal bonds50,309 4,635 54,944 
 Total debt securities available for sale (1)$1,187,778 $41,433 $(4,128)$1,225,083 
December 31, 2023
Amortized
Cost
Gross UnrealizedAllowance for Credit LossesEstimated
Fair Value
(in thousands)GainsLosses
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities (1) (2)$591,972 $2,297 $(36,962)$— $557,307 
Corporate debt securities (2)285,217 — (24,415)— 260,802 
U.S. government agency debt securities (1) (2)428,626 933 (38,782)— 390,777 
U.S. treasury securities1,998 — (7)— 1,991 
Municipal bonds (1)1,731 — (63)— 1,668 
Collateralized loan obligations5,000 — (43)— 4,957 
 Total debt securities available for sale (3)$1,314,544 $3,230 $(100,272)$— $1,217,502 
__________________
(1)Includes residential mortgage-backed securities. As of December 31, 2020, includes residential and commercial mortgage-backed2023, we had total residential-mortgage backed securities, included as part of total debt securities available for sale, with amortized cost of $647.0$910.1 million and $123.9 million, respectively, and fair value of $666.7 million and $128.4 million, respectively.

December 31, 2019
Amortized
Cost
Gross UnrealizedEstimated
Fair Value
(in thousands)GainsLosses
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities$927,205 $9,702 $(3,795)$933,112 
Corporate debt securities247,836 5,002 (2)252,836 
U.S. government agency debt securities230,384 895 (2,882)228,397 
Municipal bonds47,652 2,519 50,171 
U.S. treasury securities106,112 (1,877)104,236 
Total debt securities available for sale (1)$1,559,189 $18,119 $(8,556)$1,568,752 
__________________
(1)As of December 31, 2019, includes residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities with amortized cost of $888.1 million and $150.9 million, respectively, and fair value of $894.0 million and $151.5 million, respectively.

The Company had 0 investments in foreign sovereign debt securities at December 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company had investments in foreign corporate debt securities of $17.1 million and $5.2 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.


$844.5 million.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
(2)Includes commercial mortgage-backed securities. As of December 31, 2023, we had total commercial mortgage-backed securities, included as part of total debt securities available for sale, with amortized cost of $99.7 million and fair value of $91.8 million.
(3)Excludes accrued interest receivable of $6.7 million as of December 31, 2023, which is included as part of other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company did not record any write offs on accrued interest receivable related to these securities in 2023.



December 31, 2022
Amortized
Cost
Gross UnrealizedAllowance for Credit LossesEstimated
Fair Value
(in thousands)GainsLosses
    U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities (1)(2)$480,359 $981 $(43,666)$— $437,674 
Corporate debt securities (2)306,898 (26,199)— 280,700 
U.S. government agency debt securities (1)(2)373,593 42 (42,814)— 330,821 
U.S. treasury securities1,997 — (1)— 1,996 
Municipal bonds (1)1,731 — (75)— 1,656 
Collateralized loan obligations5,000 — (226)— 4,774 
Total debt securities available for sale (3)$1,169,578 $1,024 $(112,981)$— $1,057,621 
________________
(1)Includes residential mortgage-backed securities. As of December 31, 2022, we had total residential-mortgage backed securities, included as part of total debt securities available for sale, with amortized cost of $743.0 million and fair value of $666.5 million.
(2)Includes commercial mortgage-backed securities. As of December 31, 2022, we had total commercial mortgage-backed securities, included as part of total debt securities available for sale, with amortized cost of $91.0 million and fair value of $80.9 million.
(3)Excludes accrued interest receivable of $5.6 million as of December 31, 2022, which is included as part of other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company did not record any write offs on accrued interest receivable related to these securities in 2022.

The Company had investments in foreign corporate debt securities available for sale, primarily in Canada, of $10.5 million and $9.7 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no foreign sovereign or foreign government agency debt securities available for sale. Investments in foreign corporate debt securities available for sale are denominated in U.S. Dollars.
In the years ended December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, proceeds from sales, redemptions and calls, gross realized gains, gross realized losses of debt securities available for sale were as follows:
Years Ended December 31
(in thousands)20202019
Proceeds from sales, redemptions and calls of debt securities available for sale$421,175 $273,636 
Gross realized gains25,692 2,485 
Gross realized losses(147)(611)
Realized gains, net$25,545 $1,874 

The Company’s investment in debt securities available for sale with unrealized losses that are deemed temporary, aggregated by length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are summarized below:
December 31, 2020
Less Than 12 Months12 Months or MoreTotal
(in thousands)Estimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Estimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Estimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities$71,825 $(661)$14,472 $(346)$86,297 $(1,007)
Corporate debt securities31,777 (1,106)31,777 (1,106)
U.S. government agency debt securities9,254 (62)80,964 (1,953)90,218 (2,015)
U.S. treasury securities
$112,856 $(1,829)$95,436 $(2,299)$208,292 $(4,128)
December 31, 2019
Less Than 12 Months12 Months or MoreTotal
(in thousands)Estimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Estimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Estimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities$239,446 $(1,740)$180,274 $(2,055)$419,720 $(3,795)
U.S. government agency debt securities41,300 (251)117,040 (2,631)158,340 (2,882)
Corporate debt securities8,359 (1)300 (1)8,659 (2)
U.S. treasury securities97,471 (1,877)97,471 (1,877)
$386,576 $(3,869)$297,614 $(4,687)$684,190 $(8,556)
Years Ended December 31
(in thousands)202320222021
Proceeds from sales, redemptions and calls of debt securities available for sale$4,069 $61,399 $114,923 
Gross realized gains— 73 4,307 
Gross realized losses(10,823)(2,522)(33)
Realized (loss) gain, net$(10,823)$(2,449)$4,274 

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
The Company’s investment in debt securities available for sale with unrealized losses aggregated by the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are summarized below:
December 31, 2023
Less Than 12 Months12 Months or MoreTotal
(in thousands)Number of SecuritiesEstimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Number of SecuritiesEstimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Estimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities$68,923 $(187)328 $347,632 $(36,775)$416,555 $(36,962)
Corporate debt securities3,992 (13)59 256,810 (24,402)260,802 (24,415)
U.S. government agency debt securities12 19,475 (137)158 296,632 (38,645)316,107 (38,782)
Municipal bonds— — — 1,668 (63)1,668 (63)
U.S. treasury securities1,991 (7)— — — 1,991 (7)
Collateralized Loan Obligations$4,957 $(43)— — — 4,957 (43)
23 $99,338 $(387)548 $902,742 $(99,885)$1,002,080 $(100,272)


December 31, 2022
Less Than 12 Months12 Months or MoreTotal
(in thousands)Number of SecuritiesEstimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Number of SecuritiesEstimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Estimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities250 $292,595 $(22,315)108 $96,986 $(21,351)$389,581 $(43,666)
Corporate debt securities50 203,516 (13,374)14 72,190 (12,825)275,706 (26,199)
U.S. government agency debt securities92 88,056 (4,976)104 240,668 (37,838)328,724 (42,814)
Municipal bonds1,656 (75)— — — 1,656 (75)
U.S. treasury securities1,996 (1)— — — 1,996 (1)
Collateralized Loan Obligations4,774 (226)— — — 4,774 (226)
397 $592,593 $(40,967)226 $409,844 $(72,014)$1,002,437 $(112,981)




F-36

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

There were no debt securities available for sale held by the Company considered delinquent on contractual payments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, nor were there any securities placed on non-accrual status during the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

U.S. Government Sponsored Enterprise Debt Securities and U.S. Government Agency Debt Securities

At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, the Company held certain debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and U.S. government-sponsored entities and agencies. The Company believes these issuers present little credit risk. The Company considers these securities are not other-than-temporarily impaired because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates and investment securities markets, generally, and not credit quality. The Company does not intend to sell these debt securities and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery.
Unrealized The Company evaluates these securities for credit losses by reviewing current market conditions, the extent and nature of changes in fair value, credit ratings, default and delinquency rates and current analysts’ evaluations. The Company believes the decline in fair value on corporatethese debt securities areis attributable to changes in interest rates and investment securities markets, generally, and asnot credit quality. As a result, temporarythe Company did not record an ACL on these securities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Corporate Debt Securities

Investments in nature.corporate debt securities available for sale in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2023 include: (i) securities considered “investment-grade-quality,” primarily issued by financial institutions, with a fair value of $252.4 million ($258.8 million at December 31, 2022) and total unrealized losses of $23.8 million at that date ($24.1 million at December 31, 2022), and (ii) a security considered “non-investment-grade-quality,” issued by a company in the technology industry, with a fair value of $8.4 million ($16.9 million at December 31, 2022) and total unrealized losses of $0.6 million at that date ($2.1 million at December 31, 2022).

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, our corporate debt securities available for sale issued by financial institutions were primarily “investment-grade-quality”, and had a fair value of $186.9 million and $206.3 million, respectively, and net unrealized losses of $18.2 million and $16.6 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2022, the Bank had one corporate debt security held for sale (the “Signature Bond”) issued by Signature Bank, N.A. (“Signature”) with a fair value of $9.1 million and unrealized loss of $0.9 million. At December 31, 2022, the Signature Bond was in an unrealized loss position for less than one year. On March 12, 2023, Signature was closed by the New York State Department of Financial Services, which appointed the FDIC as receiver. The FDIC, as receiver, announced that shareholders and certain unsecured debt holders will not be protected. On March 27, 2023, the Bank sold the Signature Bond in an open market transaction and realized a pretax loss on sale of approximately $9.5 million which is recorded in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2023.

In May 2023, the Company sold a portion of its investment in a corporate debt security held for sale issued by a financial institution, to reduce single point exposure. The Company considers these securities are not other-than-temporarily impaired becausehad proceeds of $0.8 million and realized a pre-tax loss of $1.2 million in connection with this transaction. This loss was recorded in the issuersconsolidated statement of these debt securities are high qualityoperations and present little credit risk. comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2023.

F-37

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

The Company does not intend to sell theseits investments in corporate debt securities available for sale and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell these investments before their anticipated recovery.
The Company evaluates corporate debt securities for credit losses by reviewing various qualitative and quantitative factors such as current market conditions, the extent and nature of changes in fair value, credit ratings, default and delinquency rates, and current analysts’ evaluations. The Company believes the decline in fair value on these debt securities is attributable to changes in interest rates and investment securities markets, generally, and not credit quality. As a result, the Company did not record an ACL on these securities as of December 31, 2020, the2023 and 2022.

Debt securities held to maturity
Amortized cost and approximate fair valuevalues of debt securities held to maturity totaled $61.1 million ($58.1 million - amortized cost), includingare summarized as follows:
December 31, 2023
Amortized
Cost
Gross UnrealizedEstimated
Fair Value
Allowance for Credit Losses
(in thousands)GainsLosses
U.S. government agency debt securities (1)$63,883 $387 $(6,914)$57,356 $— 
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities (1)(2)162,762 — (15,173)147,589 — 
 Total debt securities held to maturity (3)$226,645 $387 $(22,087)$204,945 $— 
__________________
(1)Includes residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities totaling $29.5 million ($28.7 million - amortized cost) and $31.6 million ($29.5 million - amortized cost), respectively. At December 31, 2020, unrealized gains related to these securities totaled $3.0 million. There were 0 unrealized losses at December 31, 2020.
securities. As of December 31, 2019, the fair value2023, we had total residential mortgage-backed securities, included as part of total debt securities held to maturity, totaled $74.6with amortized cost of $199.2 million ($73.9and fair value of $179.2 million - amortized cost), including residential and
(2)Includes commercial mortgage-backed securities. As of December 31, 2023, we had total commercial mortgage-backed securities, totaling $43.8included as part of total debt securities held to maturity, with amortized cost of $27.5 million ($43.8and fair value of $25.7 million.
(3)Excludes accrued interest receivable of $0.7 million - amortized cost) and $30.8 million ($30.1 million - amortized cost), respectively. Atas of December 31, 2019, unrealized gains and losses2023, which is included as part of other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company did not record any write offs on accrued interest receivable related to these securities totaled $0.9in 2023.





December 31, 2022
Amortized
Cost
Gross UnrealizedEstimated
Fair Value
Allowance for Credit Losses
(in thousands)GainsLosses
U.S. government agency debt securities (1)$68,556 $109 $(7,778)$60,887 $— 
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities (1)(2)173,545 — (16,823)156,722 — 
 Total debt securities held to maturity (3)$242,101 $109 $(24,601)$217,609 $— 
_______________
(1)Includes residential mortgage-backed securities. As of December 31, 2022, we had total residential mortgage-backed securities, included as part of total debt securities held to maturity, with amortized cost of $213.9 million and $0.1 million, respectively.fair value of $191.4 million.
At(2)Includes commercial mortgage-backed securities. As of December 31, 20202022, we had total commercial mortgage-backed securities, included as part of total debt securities held to maturity, with amortized cost of $28.2 million and 2019,fair value of $26.2 million.
(3)Excludes accrued interest receivable of $0.8 million as of December 31, 2022 which is included as part of other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company did not record any write offs on accrued interest receivable related to these securities in 2022.


F-38

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
The Company’s investment in debt securities held to maturity with unrealized losses aggregated by length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are summarized below:
December 31, 2023
Less Than 12 Months12 Months or MoreTotal
(in thousands)Number of SecuritiesEstimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Number of SecuritiesEstimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Estimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
U.S. government agency debt securities— $— $— 12 $47,370 $(6,914)$47,370 $(6,914)
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities— — — 34 147,590 (15,173)147,590 (15,173)
— $— $— 46 $194,960 $(22,087)$194,960 $(22,087)
December 31, 2022
Less Than 12 Months12 Months or MoreTotal
(in thousands)Number of SecuritiesEstimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Number of SecuritiesEstimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
Estimated
Fair Value
Unrealized
Loss
U.S. government agency debt securities— $— $— 12 $50,755 $(7,778)$50,755 $(7,778)
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities31 142,033 (9,085)14,689 (7,738)156,722 (16,823)
31 $142,033 $(9,085)15 $65,444 $(15,516)$207,477 $(24,601)

F-39

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Beginning January 1, 2022, the Company evaluates all securities held to maturity quarterly to determine if any securities in an unrealized loss position require an ACL. The Company considers that all debt securities held to maturity were issued or guaranteedsponsored by the U.S. government are considered to be risk-free as they have the backing of the government. The Company considers there are not current expected credit losses on these securities and, therefore, did not record an ACL on any of its debt securities held to maturity as of December 31, 2023. The Company monitors the credit quality of held to maturity securities through the use of credit ratings. Credit ratings are monitored by the Company on at least a quarterly basis. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, all held to maturity securities held by the Company were rated investment grade or U.S. government-sponsored entities and agencies.higher.

Contractual maturities

Contractual maturities of debt securities at December 31, 20202023 are as follows:
Available for SaleHeld to Maturity
Available for SaleAvailable for SaleHeld to Maturity
(in thousands)(in thousands)Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
(in thousands)Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
Amortized
Cost
Estimated
Fair Value
Within 1 yearWithin 1 year$12,959 $12,994 $$
After 1 year through 5 yearsAfter 1 year through 5 years132,738 136,255 
After 5 years through 10 yearsAfter 5 years through 10 years309,981 325,172 11,409 12,057 
After 10 yearsAfter 10 years732,100 750,662 46,718 49,057 
$1,187,778 $1,225,083 $58,127 $61,114 
$
$
$
Actual maturities of debt securities available for sale and held to maturity may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
b) Equity securities with readily available fair value not held for trading consist
As of mutual fundsDecember 31, 2023, the Company had an equity security with readily available fair value not held for trading with an original cost of $24.0$2.5 million and fair value of $24.3$2.5 million, and $23.8 million aswhich was purchased in the second quarter of 2023. As of December 31, 20202022, the Company had equity securities with readily available fair value not held for trading with an original cost of $12.7 million and 2019, respectively.fair value of $11.4 million. These equity securities have no stated maturities. The Company recognized in earnings unrealized gainslosses of $0.5 million$33 thousand and $0.7$1.3 million during the years ended December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, respectively, related to the change in fair value of these mutual funds.equity securities with readily available fair value not held for trading.

In February 2023, the Company sold its equity securities with readily available fair value not held for trading, with a total fair value of $11.2 million at the time of sale, and recognized a net loss of $0.2 million in connection with this transaction.

c)Securities Pledged
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had $206.4 million and $314.5 million, respectively, in securities pledged as collateral. These securities were pledged to secure public funds, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank and for other purposes as permitted by law.
F-28F-40

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
4.Loans
The loan portfolio consistsa) Loans held for investment
Loans held for investment consist of the following loan classes:
(in thousands)(in thousands)December 31,
2020
December 31,
2019
(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Real estate loansReal estate loans
Commercial real estateCommercial real estate
Commercial real estate
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupied
Nonowner occupiedNonowner occupied$1,749,839 $1,891,802 
Multi-family residentialMulti-family residential737,696 801,626 
Land development and construction loansLand development and construction loans349,800 278,688 
2,837,335 2,972,116 
2,323,792
Single-family residentialSingle-family residential639,569 539,102 
Owner occupiedOwner occupied947,127 894,060 
4,424,031 4,405,278 
4,965,731
Commercial loansCommercial loans1,154,550 1,234,043 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptancesLoans to financial institutions and acceptances16,636 16,552 
Consumer loans and overdraftsConsumer loans and overdrafts247,120 88,466 
Total loans held for investment, gross$5,842,337 $5,744,339 
Total loans held for investment, gross (1)
_________________
(1)Excludes accrued interest receivable.

Real estate loans include commercial loans secured by real estate properties. Commercial loans secured by non-owner occupied real estate properties are generally granted to finance the acquisition or operation of commercial real estate properties, with terms similar to the properties’ useful lives or the operating cycle of the businesses. The main source of repayment of these real estate loans is derived from cash flows or conversion of productive assets and not from the income generated by the disposition of the property held as collateral. The main repayment source of loans granted to finance land acquisition, development and construction projects is generally derived from the disposition of the properties held as collateral, with the repayment capacity of the borrowers and any guarantors considered as alternative sources of repayment. Commercial loans secured by owner-occupied real estate properties are generally granted to finance the acquisition or operation of commercial real estate properties, with terms similar to the properties’ useful lives or the operating cycle of the businesses. The main source of repayment of these commercial real estate loans is derived from cash flows and not from the income generated by the disposition of the property held as collateral.

Commercial loans correspond to facilities established for specific business purposes such as financing working capital and capital improvements projects and asset-based lending, among others. These may be loan commitments, uncommitted lines of credit to qualifying customers, short term (one year or less) or longer term credit facilities, and may be secured, unsecured or partially secured. Terms on commercial loans generally do not exceed five years, and exceptions are documented. The Company provides equipment financing using a variety of loan and lease structures, as part of its commercial lending activities. These equipment loans and leases are originated under a white-label equipment financing solution launched in the second quarter of 2022.

Commercial loans to borrowers in similar businesses or products with similar characteristics or specific credit requirements are generally evaluated under a standardized commercial credit program. Commercial loans outside the scope of those programs are evaluated on a case by case basis, with consideration of any exposure under an existing commercial credit program.
F-41

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Loans to financial institutions and acceptances are facilities granted to fund certain transactions classified according to their risk level, and primarily include trade financing facilities through letters of credits, bankers’ acceptances, pre- and post-export financing, and working capital loans, among others. Loans in this portfolio segment are generally granted for terms not exceeding three years and on an unsecured basis under the limits of an existing credit program, primarily to large financial institutions in Latin America which the Company believes are of high quality. Prior to approval, management also considers cross-border and portfolio limits set forth in its programs and credit policies.

Single-family residential and consumer and other loans are retail open-end and closed-end credits extended to individuals for household, family and other personal expenditures. Single-family and consumer loans include loans to individuals secured by their personal residence, including first mortgage, home equity and home improvement loans as well as revolving credit card agreements. In addition, consumer and other loans, include purchased indirect lending loans we purchase from time to time from third parties. Because these loans generally consist of a large number of relatively small-balance, homogeneous loans for each type, their risks are generally evaluated collectively. In 2023, the Company purchased $26.5 million in single-family residential loans. In 2022, the Company purchased $385.8 million in indirect consumer loans and $173.1 million in single-family residential loans. There were no purchases of indirect consumer loans in 2023.

At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, loans with an outstanding principal balance of $1,438 million$2.5 billion and $1,575 million,$1.2 billion, respectively, were pledged as collateral to secure advances from the FHLB.

The amounts in the table above include loans held for investment under syndication facilities for approximately $455$271.8 million and $562$367.0 million at December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, respectively, which include Shared National Credit facilities, or SNCs, and agreements to enter into credit agreements among other lenders (club deals), and other agreements. These loans are primarily designed for providing working capital to certain qualified domestic and international commercial entities meeting our credit quality criteria and concentration limits, and approved in accordance with credit policies. In addition, consumer loans and overdrafts in the table above include indirect consumer loans purchased totaling $210.9 million and $433.0 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

International loans included above were $87.6 million and $99.2 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, mainly single-family residential loans. These loans are generally fully collateralized with cash, cash equivalents or other financial instruments.

F-42

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021


The age analysis of the loan portfolio by class as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 is summarized in the following table:
December 31, 2023
Total Loans,
Net of
Unearned
Income
Loans Past Due
(in thousands)Current Loans30-59
Days
60-89
Days
Greater than
90 Days
Total Past
Due
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$1,616,200 $1,615,772 $428 $— $— $428 
Multi-family residential407,214 403,288 2,360 1,558 3,926 
Land development and construction loans300,378 300,378 — — — — 
2,323,792 2,319,438 2,788 1,558 4,354 
Single-family residential1,466,608 1,453,073 4,196 3,511 5,828 13,535 
Owner occupied1,175,331 1,164,059 9,642 185 1,445 11,272 
4,965,731 4,936,570 16,626 5,254 7,281 29,161 
Commercial loans1,503,187 1,472,531 23,128 1,626 5,902 $30,656 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances13,375 13,375 — — — — 
Consumer loans and overdrafts391,200 383,689 3,142 4,277 92 7,511 
$6,873,493 $6,806,165 $42,896 $11,157 $13,275 $67,328 













F-43

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021



December 31, 2022
Total Loans,
Net of
Unearned
Income
Loans Past Due
(in thousands)Current Loans30-59
Days
60-89
Days
Greater than
90 Days
Total Past
Due
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$1,615,716 $1,615,716 $— $— $— $— 
Multi-family residential820,023 818,394 1,387 242 — 1,629 
Land development and construction loans273,174 273,174 — — — — 
2,708,913 2,707,284 1,387 242 — 1,629 
Single-family residential1,102,845 1,098,310 3,140 150 1,245 4,535 
Owner occupied1,046,450 1,039,928 172 6,014 336 6,522 
4,858,208 4,845,522 4,699 6,406 1,581 12,686 
Commercial loans1,381,234 1,373,042 1,523 475 6,194 $8,192 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances13,292 13,292 — — — — 
Consumer loans and overdrafts604,460 601,921 2,439 62 38 2,539 
$6,857,194 $6,833,777 $8,661 $6,943 $7,813 $23,417 













F-44

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Nonaccrual status
The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans on nonaccrual status and loans past due over 90 days and still accruing as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
December 31, 2023
(in thousands)Nonaccrual Loans With No Related AllowanceNonaccrual Loans With Related AllowanceTotal Nonaccrual Loans (1)Loans Past Due Over 90 Days and Still Accruing
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$— $— $— $— 
Multi-family residential— — 
Single-family residential773 1,686 2,459 5,218 
Owner occupied3,693 129 3,822 — 
4,474 1,815 6,289 5,218 
Commercial loans3,669 18,280 21,949 857 
Consumer loans and overdrafts— 38 38 49 
Total (1)$8,143 $20,133 $28,276 $6,124 
_____________

(1)The Company did not recognize any interest income on nonaccrual loans during the year ended December 31, 2023.


December 31, 2022
(in thousands)Nonaccrual Loans With No Related AllowanceNonaccrual Loans With Related AllowanceTotal Nonaccrual Loans (1)Loans Past Due Over 90 Days and Still Accruing
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$20,057 $— $20,057 $— 
Multi-family residential— — — — 
Single-family residential— 1,526 1,526 253 
Owner occupied5,936 334 6,270 — 
25,993 1,860 27,853 253 
Commercial loans482 8,789 9,271 183 
Consumer loans and overdrafts— 35 
Total (1)$26,475 $10,653 $37,128 $471 
_____________

(1)The Company did not recognize any interest income on nonaccrual loans during the year ended December 31, 2022.
F-45

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
b) Loans held for sale
(in thousands)December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Loans held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value
Real estate loans
  Commercial real estate
    Multi-family residential$309,612 $— 
    Land development and construction loans55,607— 
Total loans held for sale at the lower of fair value or cost (1)$365,219 $— 
Mortgage loans held for sale at fair value
   Land development and construction loans12,7789,424
   Single-family residential13,42253,014
Total Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value (2)$26,200 $62,438 
Total loans held for sale (3)$391,419 $62,438 
__________________
(1)In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company transferred an aggregate of $401 million in Houston-based CRE loans held for investment to the loans held for sale category, and recognized a valuation allowance of $35.5 million as a result of the fair value adjustment of these loans.
(2)Loans held for sale in connection with Amerant Mortgage’s ongoing business.
(3)Excludes accrued interest receivable.


In January 2024, the Company completed the sale of approximately $365.2 million in Houston-based CRE loans carried at the lower of fair value or cost at December 31, 2023. There was no material impact to the Company’s results of operations in 2024 as result of this transaction.

In 2023, the Company sold one New York-based CRE loan carried at the lower of fair value or cost of approximately $43.3 million, and recognized a loss on sale of $2.0 million in connection with this transaction. In 2022, the Company completed the sale of approximately $57.3 million in loans held for sale carried at the lower of fair value or cost related to the New York portfolio, at their par value.


c) Concentration of risk

While seeking diversification of our loan portfolio held for investment and held for sale, the Company is dependent mostly on the economic conditions that affect South Florida and the greater Houston and New York City areas, especially the five New York City boroughs. At December 31, 2023, our commercial real estate loans held for investment based in South Florida, Houston, New York and other regions were $1.7 billion, $317 million, $217 million and $65 million, respectively.

Diversification is managed through policies with limitations for exposure to individual or related debtors and for country risk exposure.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
d) Accrued interest receivable on loans

The following table summarizes internationalAccrued interest receivable on total loans, by country, net ofincluding loans fully collateralized with cash of approximately $13.3held for investment and held for sale, was $44.2 million and $15.2$27.7 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
(in thousands)VenezuelaOthers (1)TotalVenezuelaOthers (1)Total
Real estate loans
Single-family residential (2)$86,744 $9,749 $96,493 $103,979 $7,692 $111,671 
Commercial loans51,049 51,049 43,850 43,850 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances
Consumer loans and overdrafts (3)(4)186 5,163 5,349 8,318 7,593 15,911 
$86,930 $65,968 $152,898 $112,297 $59,140 $171,437 
__________________
(1)Loans to borrowers in 13 other countries which do not individually exceed 1% of total assets in 2020 (14 countries in 2019).
(2)Corresponds to mortgage loans secured by single-family residential properties located in the U.S.
(3)At December 31, 2019, Venezuela balances are mostly comprised of credit card extensions of credit to customers with deposits with the Bank. The Company phased out its legacy credit card products to further strengthen its credit quality. During the first quarter of 2020, the remaining balances related to the credit card product were repaid, therefore, there are no outstanding credit card balances as of December 31, 2020.
(4)Overdrafts to customers outside2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2023, the United States were de minimis.


The age analysisCompany reversed approximately $0.9 million of accrued interest receivable against interest income in connection with real estate and commercial loans placed in non-accrual status during the loan portfolio by class, including nonaccrual loans, as ofperiod. In the year ended December 31, 20202022, the Company reversed accrued interest receivable on loans placed in non-accrual status during the year against interest income of approximately $0.9 million related to consumer loans and 2019 are summarized in the following tables:
December 31, 2020
Total Loans,
Net of
Unearned
Income
Past DueTotal Loans in
Nonaccrual
Status
Total Loans
90 Days or More
Past Due
and Accruing
(in thousands)Current30-59
Days
60-89
Days
Greater than
90 Days
Total Past
Due
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$1,749,839 $1,741,862 $1,487 $$6,490 $7,977 $8,219 $
Multi-family residential737,696 737,696 11,340 
Land development and construction loans349,800 349,800 
2,837,335 2,829,358 1,487 6,490 7,977 19,559 
Single-family residential639,569 631,801 3,143 671 3,954 7,768 10,667 
Owner occupied947,127 941,566 439 5,122 5,561 12,815 220 
4,424,031 4,402,725 5,069 671 15,566 21,306 43,041 220 
Commercial loans1,154,550 1,113,469 3,675 1,715 35,691 41,081 44,205 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances16,636 16,636 
Consumer loans and overdrafts247,120 246,997 85 32 123 233 
$5,842,337 $5,779,827 $8,829 $2,392 $51,289 $62,510 $87,479 $221 

overdrafts and a total of $0.1 million related to real estate loans and commercial loans.

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
December 31, 2019
Total Loans,
Net of
Unearned
Income
Past DueTotal Loans in
Nonaccrual
Status
Total Loans
90 Days or More
Past Due
and Accruing
(in thousands)Current30-59
Days
60-89
Days
Greater than
90 Days
Total Past
Due
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$1,891,802 $1,891,801 $$$$$1,936 $
Multi-family residential801,626 801,626 
Land development and construction loans278,688 278,688 
2,972,116 2,972,115 1,936 
Single-family residential539,102 530,399 4,585 1,248 2,870 8,703 7,291 
Owner occupied894,060 888,158 1,360 1,724 2,818 5,902 14,130 
4,405,278 4,390,672 5,946 2,972 5,688 14,606 23,357 
Commercial loans1,234,043 1,226,320 4,418 608 2,697 7,723 9,149 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances16,552 16,552 
Consumer loans and overdrafts88,466 88,030 215 176 45 436 416 
$5,744,339 $5,721,574 $10,579 $3,756 $8,430 $22,765 $32,922 $
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
5.Allowance for LoanCredit Losses
The analyses by loan segment of the changes in the ALLACL for the three years ended December 31, 20202023 and its allocation by impairment methodology and the related investment in loans, net as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 20182022 are summarized in the following tables:
December 31, 2020
(in thousands)Real EstateCommercialFinancial
Institutions
Consumer
and Others
Total
Balances at beginning of the year$25,040 $22,482 $42 $4,659 $52,223 
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses25,187 55,197 (41)8,277 88,620 
Loans charged-off
Domestic(29,958)(600)(30,558)
International(34)(269)(303)
Recoveries443 477 920 
Balances at end of the year$50,227 $48,130 $$12,544 $110,902 
Allowance for loan losses by impairment methodology
Individually evaluated$3,175 $25,394 $$1,379 $29,948 
Collectively evaluated47,052 22,736 11,165 80,954 
$50,227 $48,130 $$12,544 $110,902 
Investment in loans, net of unearned income
Individually evaluated$19,560 $60,130 $$8,051 $87,741 
Collectively evaluated2,796,092 2,210,601 17,574 730,329 5,754,596 
$2,815,652 $2,270,731 $17,574 $738,380 $5,842,337 


December 31, 2023
(in thousands)Real EstateCommercialFinancial
Institutions
Consumer
and Others
Total
Balances at beginning of the year$25,237 $25,888 $— $32,375 $83,500 
Provision for credit losses - loans10,761 27,412 — 22,004 60,177 
Loans charged-off(10,418)(21,395)— (28,052)(59,865)
Recoveries296 9,904 — 1,492 11,692 
Balances at end of the year$25,876 $41,809 $— $27,819 $95,504 

December 31, 2022
(in thousands)Real EstateCommercialFinancial
Institutions
Consumer
and Others
Total
Balances at beginning of the year$17,952 $38,979 $42 $12,926 $69,899 
Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting principle (1)17,418 (8,281)(42)9,579 18,674 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses - loans(6,328)1,619 — 18,654 13,945 
Loans charged-off(3,852)(9,114)— (9,140)(22,106)
Recoveries47 2,685 — 356 3,088 
Balances at end of the year$25,237 $25,888 $— $32,375 $83,500 
_________________
(1)The Company adopted CECL effective as of January 1, 2022. See Note 1 to our audited annual consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K for details on the adoption of CECL.






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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
December 31, 2019
(in thousands) Real Estate Commercial Financial
Institutions
 Consumer
and Others
 Total
Balances at beginning of the year$22,778 $30,018 $445 $8,521 $61,762 
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses2,072 (6,165)(403)1,346 (3,150)
Loans charged-off
Domestic(3,020)(724)(3,744)
International(62)(5,033)(5,095)
Recoveries190 1,711 549 2,450 
Balances at end of the year$25,040 $22,482 $42 $4,659 $52,223 
Allowance for loan losses by impairment methodology
Individually evaluated$1,161 $1,789 $$1,324 $4,274 
Collectively evaluated23,879 20,693 42 3,335 47,949 
$25,040 $22,482 $42 $4,659 $52,223 
Investment in loans, net of unearned income
Individually evaluated$1,936 $22,790 $$5,585 $30,311 
Collectively evaluated2,968,589 2,206,566 16,552 522,321 5,714,028 
$2,970,525 $2,229,356 $16,552 $527,906 $5,744,339 

The analyses by loan segment of the changes in the allowance for loan losses or ALL (ACL in 2023 and 2022) for the year ended December 31, 2021 and its allocation by impairment methodology and the related investment in loans, net as of December 31, 2021 is summarized in the following table:

December 31, 2021
(in thousands) Real Estate Commercial Financial
Institutions
 Consumer
and Others
 Total
Balances at beginning of the year$50,227 $48,130 $$12,544 $110,902 
Reversal of (provision for) credit losses(21,338)1,463 41 3,334 (16,500)
Loans charged-off
Domestic(11,062)(13,227)— (3,491)(27,780)
International— — — — — 
Recoveries125 2,613 — 539 3,277 
Balances at end of the year$17,952 $38,979 $42 $12,926 $69,899 
Allowance for loan losses by impairment methodology
Individually evaluated$546 $10,462 $— $783 $11,791 
Collectively evaluated17,406 28,517 42 12,143 58,108 
$17,952 $38,979 $42 $12,926 $69,899 
Investment in loans, net of unearned income
Individually evaluated$7,285 $39,785 $— $5,634 $52,704 
Collectively evaluated2,346,923 2,075,338 14,127 920,348 5,356,736 
$2,354,208 $2,115,123 $14,127 $925,982 $5,409,440 

The ACL increased by $12.0 million, or14.4% at December 31, 2023, compared to December 31, 2022. The ACL as a percentage of total loans held for investment was 1.39% at December 31, 2023 compared to 1.22% at December 31, 2022. The provision for credit losses on loans in 2023 was partially offset by net charge-offs. The $60.2 million provision for credit losses on loans includes $48.4 million in additional reserve requirements for loan charge-offs and credit quality, $4.1 million to account for loan growth and composition changes during the period, and $12.2 million to reflect macroeconomic conditions and loss factor updates. This provision was offset by a release of $4.5 million related to the classification of the Houston CRE multifamily portfolio as held-for-sale.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
December 31, 2018
(in thousands) Real Estate Commercial Financial
Institutions
 Consumer
and Others
 Total
Balances at beginning of the year$31,290 $32,687 $4,362 $3,661 $72,000 
(Reversal of) provision for loan losses(2,885)1,099 (3,917)6,078 375 
Loans charged-off
Domestic(5,839)(3,662)(194)(9,695)
International(1,473)(1,392)(2,865)
Recoveries212 1,367 368 1,947 
Balances at end of the year$22,778 $30,018 $445 $8,521 $61,762 
Allowance for loan losses by impairment methodology
Individually evaluated$$1,282 $$1,091 $2,373 
Collectively evaluated22,778 28,736 445 7,430 59,389 
$22,778 $30,018 $445 $8,521 $61,762 
Investment in loans, net of unearned income
Individually evaluated$717 $9,652 $$3,089 $13,458 
Collectively evaluated3,037,604 2,254,607 69,003 545,503 5,906,717 
$3,038,321 $2,264,259 $69,003 $548,592 $5,920,175 
The following is a summary of the recordednet proceeds from sales of loans held for investment amount of loan sales by portfolio segment in the three years ended December 31, 2020:2023:
(in thousands)Real EstateCommercialFinancial
Institutions
Consumer
and others
Total
2023$34,409 $33,307 $— $— $67,716 
2022$11,566 $13,897 $— $1,313 $26,776 
2021$11,243 $102,247 $— $3,524 $117,014 
(in thousands)Real EstateCommercialFinancial
Institutions
Consumer
and others
Total
2020$$65,386 $$6,253 $71,639 
2019$23,475 $236,373 $$7,917 $267,765 
2018$20,248 $138,244 $$14,981 $173,473 
Loan Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty
The Company modifies loans related to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties by providing multiple types of concessions. Typically, one type of concession, such as a term extension, is granted initially. If the borrower continues to experience financial difficulty, another concession, such as principal forgiveness, may be granted.
The Company had no new loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the year ended December 31, 2023. There were no loans that defaulted in the year ended December 31, 2023 and had been modified within 12 months preceding the payment default related to these modifications.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
As result of adoption of guidance related to CECL in 2022, the Company had no reportable balances related to TDRs as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. See Note 1 “Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for additional information.
The following table shows information about loans modified in TDRs as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2022
(in thousands)Number of ContractsRecorded Investment
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Non-owner occupied$448 
Single-family residential265 
Owner occupied7,065 
7,778 
Commercial loans3,416 
Total (1)13 $11,194 
_________________
(1)As of December 31, 2022, included a multiple loan relationship with a South Florida customer consisting of CRE, owner occupied and commercial loans totaling $9.8 million. This TDR consisted of extending repayment terms and adjusting future periodic payments which resulted in no additional reserves. 
During the year ended December 31, 2022, there were no loans that were modified and met the definition of a TDR. In the year ended December 31, 2021, there were two commercial loans that were modified and met the definition of a TDR, totaling $0.9 million. There were no charge-offs against the ACL as a result of these TDRs during 2022 and 2021.
During the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were no TDR loans that subsequently defaulted within the 12 months of restructuring.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
The following is a summary of impaired loans as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31, 2020
 Recorded Investment
(in thousands) With a Valuation Allowance Without a Valuation Allowance TotalYear Average Total Unpaid Principal BalanceValuation AllowanceInterest Income Recognized
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$8,219 $$8,219 $6,718 $8,227 $3,175 $
Multi-family residential11,341 11,341 3,206 11,306 
Land development and construction
loans
8,219 11,341 19,560 9,924 19,533 3,175 
Single-family residential5,675 5,250 10,925 9,457 10,990 1,232 84 
Owner-occupied636 12,178 12,814 13,295 12,658 214 
14,530 28,769 43,299 32,676 43,181 4,621 88 
Commercial loans33,110 11,100 44,210 38,534 66,010 25,180 53 
Consumer loans and overdrafts232 232 221 229 147 
$47,872 $39,869 $87,741 $71,431 $109,420 $29,948 $141 
December 31, 2019
 Recorded Investment
(in thousands)With a Valuation AllowanceWithout a Valuation AllowanceTotalYear AverageTotal Unpaid Principal BalanceValuation AllowanceInterest Income Recognized
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$1,936 $$1,936 $1,459 $1,936 $1,161 $37 
Multi-family residential342 10 
Land development and construction
loans
1,936 1,936 1,801 1,936 1,161 47 
Single-family residential4,739 729 5,468 5,564 5,598 946 21 
Owner-occupied6,169 7,906 14,075 9,548 13,974 501 48 
12,844 8,635 21,479 16,913 21,508 2,608 116 
Commercial loans8,415 13 8,428 8,552 8,476 1,288 58 
Consumer loans and overdrafts395 404 153 402 378 
$21,654 $8,657 $30,311 $25,618 $30,386 $4,274 $174 

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018


Troubled Debt Restructurings
The following table shows information about loans modified in TDRs as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
As of December 31, 2020As of December 31, 2019
(in thousands)Number of ContractsRecorded InvestmentNumber of ContractsRecorded Investment
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Non-owner occupied$1,729 $1,936 
Single-family residential267 438 
Owner occupied6,784 6,580 
8,780 8,954 
Commercial loans11 3,851 2,682 
Consumer loans and overdrafts
Total (1)18 12,631 12 $11,645 
_________________
(1)As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, include a multiple loan relationship with a South Florida customer consisting of CRE, owner occupied and commercial loans totaling $8.4 million and $9.8 million, respectively. This TDR consisted of extending repayment terms and adjusting future periodic payments which resulted in no additional reserves. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, this relationship included 2 and 4 residential loans totaling $1.5 million and $2.2 million, respectively, which were not modified. During 2020, the company charged off $1.9 million against the ALL associated with this commercial loan relationship. The Company believes the specific reserves associated with these loans, which total $1.0 million at December 31, 2020, are adequate to cover probable losses given current facts and circumstances.
The following table shows information about loans that were modified and met the definition of TDR during the three years ended December 31, 2020:
202020192018
(in thousands, except number of contracts)Number of ContractsRecorded InvestmentNumber of ContractsRecorded InvestmentNumber of ContractsRecorded Investment
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate “CRE”
Nonowner occupied (1)$$1,936  $
Single-family residential172  
Owner occupied813 4,797  1,831 
813 6,905  1,831 
Commercial loans3,187 2,669  622 
Consumer loans and overdrafts357  10 
Total (2)10 $4,000 $9,931  $2,463 
_________________
(1)In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company sold one non-performing loan in the Houston area with a carrying value of $10.2 million, and charged off $5.8 million against the ALL. This loan had been modified and met the definition of a TDR during the second quarter of 2018.
(2) During 2020 and 2018, the Company charged off a total of approximately $1.9 million and $6.9 million, respectively, against the ALL as a result of these TDR loans.There were 0 charge-offs against the ALL as a result of these TDRs during 2019.


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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
TDR loans that subsequently defaulted within the 12 months of restructuring during the three years ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:
202020192018
(in thousands, except number of contracts)Number of ContractsRecorded InvestmentNumber of ContractsRecorded InvestmentNumber of ContractsRecorded Investment
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$$1,936 $
Owner-occupied813 4,797 1,831 
813 6,733 1,831 
Commercial loans70 2,669 589 
Consumer loans and overdrafts357 10 
Total$883 $9,759 $2,430 


Credit Risk Quality
The sufficiency of the ALLACL is reviewed monthlyat least quarterly by the Chief Risk Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. The Board of Directors considers the ALLACL as part of its review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, the Company believes the ALLACL to be sufficient to absorb expected credit losses in the loans portfolio in accordance with GAAP.
Loans may be classified but not considered impairedcollateral dependent due to one of the following reasons: (1) the Company has established minimum dollar amount thresholds for loan impairment testing,individual assessment of expected credit losses, which results in loans under those thresholds being excluded from impairment testing and therefore not included in impaired loans;individual assessment of expected credit losses; and (2) classified loans may be considered nonimpairedin the assessment because collection ofthe Company expects to collect all amounts due is probable.due.
As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including trends related primarily to (i) the risk rating of loans, (ii) the loan payment status, (iii) net charge-offs, (iv) nonperforming loans and (v) the general economic conditions in the main geographies where the Company’s borrowers conduct their businesses. The Company considers the views of its regulators as to loan classification and impairment.in the process of estimating expected credit losses.
The Company utilizes a creditan internal risk rating system to identify the risk characteristics of each of its loans, or group of homogeneous loans such as consumer loans. LoansInternal risk ratings are ratedupdated on a quarterlycontinuous basis (or more frequently when the circumstances require it) on a scale from 1 (worst credit quality) to 10 (best credit quality). Loans are then grouped in five master risk categories for purposes of monitoring rising levels of potential loss risks and to enable the activation of collection or recovery processes as defined in the Company’s Credit Risk Policy. Internal risk ratings are considered the most meaningful indicator of credit quality for commercial loans. Generally, internal risk ratings for commercial real estate loans and commercial loans with balances over $3 million are updated at least annually and more frequently if circumstances indicate that a change in risk rating may be warranted. For consumer loans, single-family residential loans and smaller commercial loans under $3 million, risk ratings are updated based on the loans past due status. The following is a summary of the master risk categories and their associated loan risk ratings, as well as a description of the general characteristics of the master risk category:
Loan Risk Rating
Master risk category
Nonclassified4 to 10
Classified1 to 3
Substandard3
Doubtful2
Loss1
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Nonclassified
This category includes loans considered as Pass (5-10) and Special Mention (4). A loan classified as Pass is considered of sufficient quality to preclude a lower adverse rating. These loans are generally well protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or by the value of any collateral received. Special Mention loans are defined as having potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention which, if left uncorrected, could potentially result in further credit deterioration. Special Mention loans may include loans originated with certain credit weaknesses or that developed those weaknesses since their origination.

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Classified
This classification indicates the presence of credit weaknesses which could make loan repayment unlikely, such as partial or total late payments and other contractual defaults.
Substandard
A loan classified substandard is inadequately protected by the sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower or the collateral pledged. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the credit weaknesses are not corrected. Loss potential, while existing in the aggregate amount of substandard loans, does not have to exist in individual assets.
Doubtful
These loans have all the weaknesses inherent in a loan classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. These are poor quality loans in which neither the collateral, if any, nor the financial condition of the borrower presently ensure collection in full in a reasonable period of time. As a result, the possibility of loss is extremely high.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

Loss
Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that the continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the assets have absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but not to the point where a write-off should be deferred even though partial recoveries may occur in the future. This classification is based upon current facts, not probabilities. As a result, loans in this category should be promptly charged off in the period in which they are determined to be uncollectible.

Loans by Credit Quality Indicators
Loans by credit quality indicators as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are summarized in the following tables:
December 31, 2020
 Credit Risk Rating
 Nonclassified Classified
(in thousands)PassSpecial Mention Substandard Doubtful Loss Total
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$1,694,004 $46,872 $4,994 $3,969 $$1,749,839 
Multi-family residential726,356 11,340 737,696 
 Land development and construction loans342,636 7,164 349,800 
2,762,996 54,036 16,334 3,969 2,837,335 
Single-family residential628,902 10,667 639,569 
Owner occupied911,867 22,343 12,917 947,127 
4,303,765 76,379 39,918 3,969 4,424,031 
Commercial loans1,067,708 42,434 21,152 23,256 1,154,550 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances16,636 16,636 
Consumer loans and overdrafts246,882 238 247,120 
$5,634,991 $118,813 $61,308 $27,225 $$5,842,337 







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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
Loans held for investment by Credit Quality Indicators
The following tables present Loans held for investment by credit quality indicators and year of origination as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
December 31, 2023
Term Loans
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(in thousands)20232022202120202019PriorRevolving Loans
Amortized Cost
Basis
Total
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass$163,018 $189,356 $564,003 $35,615 $89,920 $401,140 $173,148 $1,616,200 
Special Mention— — — — — — — — 
Classified
Substandard— — — — — — — — 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total Nonowner occupied163,018 189,356 564,003 35,615 89,920 401,140 173,148 1,616,200 
Multi-family residential
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass1,860 69,875 96,028 5,930 72,389 119,550 41,574 407,206 
Special Mention— — — — — — — — 
Classified
Substandard— — — — — — 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total Multi-family residential1,860 69,875 96,028 5,930 72,389 119,558 41,574 407,214 
Land development and construction loans
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass71,157 9,920 28,934 21,959 — 26,942 141,466 300,378 
Special Mention— — — — — — — — 
Classified
Substandard— — — — — — — — 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total land development and construction loans71,157 9,920 28,934 21,959 — 26,942 141,466 300,378 
Single-family residential
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass410,185 454,011 166,997 64,228 20,571 69,479 278,337 1,463,808 
Special Mention— — — — — — — — 
Classified
Substandard— — — — — 384 2,416 2,800 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total Single-family residential410,185 454,011 166,997 64,228 20,571 69,863 280,753 1,466,608 
Owner occupied
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass221,137 245,680 414,263 20,741 57,681 158,678 37,538 1,155,718 
Special Mention— 4,186 7,926 — — — 3,611 15,723 
Classified
Substandard— — 2,530 — — 825 535 3,890 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total owner occupied221,137 249,866 424,719 20,741 57,681 159,503 41,684 1,175,331 
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
December 31, 2023
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(in thousands)20232022202120202019PriorRevolving Loans
Amortized Cost
Basis
Total
Non-real estate loans
Commercial Loans
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass414,882 280,911 13,432 9,738 34,209 34,804 661,979 1,449,955 
Special Mention— — — — — 2,056 28,205 30,261 
Classified
Substandard563 500 — 91 1,775 794 19,248 22,971 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total commercial loans415,445 281,411 13,432 9,829 35,984 37,654 709,432 1,503,187 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass— — — — — 13,375 — 13,375 
Special Mention— — — — — — — — 
Classified
Substandard— — — — — — — — 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total loans to financial institutions and acceptances— — — — — 13,375 — 13,375 
Consumer loans
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass27,977 183,235 51,278 12,833 26 — 115,810 391,159 
Special Mention— — — — — — — — 
Classified
Substandard— — — — — — 41 41 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total consumer loans and overdrafts27,977 183,235 51,278 12,833 26 — 115,851 391,200 
Total loans held for investment, gross$1,310,779 $1,437,674 $1,345,391 $171,135 $276,571 $828,035 $1,503,908 $6,873,493 
F-53

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

December 31, 2022
Term Loans
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(in thousands)20222021202020192018PriorRevolving Loans
Amortized Cost
Basis
Total
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass$177,852 $637,015 $34,525 $91,941 $82,385 $342,174 $221,333 $1,587,225 
Special Mention— — — — — 8,378 — 8,378 
Classified
Substandard— — — 20,113 — — — 20,113 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total Nonowner occupied177,852 637,015 34,525 112,054 82,385 350,552 221,333 1,615,716 
Multi-family residential
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass85,670 110,943 26,881 126,724 27,242 124,433 318,130 820,023 
Special Mention— — — — — — — — 
Classified
Substandard— — — — — — — — 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total Multi-family residential85,670 110,943 26,881 126,724 27,242 124,433 318,130 820,023 
Land development and construction loans
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass8,846 27,746 23,459 188 — 26,930 186,005 273,174 
Special Mention— — — — — — — — 
Classified
Substandard— — — — — — — — 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total land development and construction loans8,846 27,746 23,459 188 — 26,930 186,005 273,174 
Single-family residential
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass480,328 186,790 70,853 21,654 16,630 65,249 259,411 1,100,915 
Special Mention— — — — — — — — 
Classified
Substandard— — — — — 741 1,189 1,930 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total Single-family residential480,328 186,790 70,853 21,654 16,630 65,990 260,600 1,102,845 
Owner occupied
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass256,816 479,961 22,341 63,629 21,790 162,411 33,146 1,040,094 
Special Mention— — — — — — — — 
Classified
Substandard2,096 1,631 656 — 650 1,283 40 6,356 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total owner occupied258,912 481,592 22,997 63,629 22,440 163,694 33,186 1,046,450 


December 31, 2019
 Credit Risk Rating
 Nonclassified Classified
(in thousands)PassSpecial MentionSubstandardDoubtfulLossTotal
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$1,879,780 $9,324 $762 $1,936 $$1,891,802 
Multi-family residential801,626 801,626 
Land development and construction loans268,733 9,955 278,688 
2,950,139 19,279 762 1,936 2,972,116 
Single-family residential531,811 7,291 539,102 
Owner occupied871,682 8,138 14,240 894,060 
4,353,632 27,417 22,293 1,936 4,405,278 
Commercial loans1,217,399 5,569 8,406 2,669 1,234,043 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances16,552 16,552 
Consumer loans and overdrafts88,042 67 357 88,466 
$5,675,625 $32,986 $30,766 $4,962 $$5,744,339 
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
December 31, 2022
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(in thousands)20222021202020192018PriorRevolving Loans
Amortized Cost
Basis
Total
Non-real estate loans
Commercial Loans
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass400,781 95,470 19,815 42,936 32,248 16,297 761,489 1,369,036 
Special Mention— — — — 1,499 — 250 1,749 
Classified
Substandard— 84 267 194 27 984 8,890 10,446 
Doubtful— — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total commercial Loans400,781 95,554 20,082 43,133 33,774 17,281 770,629 1,381,234 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass— — — — — 13,292 — 13,292 
Special Mention— — — — — — — — 
Classified
Substandard— — — — — — — — 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total loans to financial institutions and acceptances— — — — — 13,292 — 13,292 
Consumer loans
Credit Risk Rating:
Nonclassified
Pass338,744 121,011 29,053 68 54 — 115,300 604,230 
Special Mention— — — — — — — — 
Classified
Substandard98 128 — — — — 230 
Doubtful— — — — — — — — 
Loss— — — — — — — — 
Total consumer loans338,842 121,139 29,053 68 54 115,300 604,460 
Total loans held for investment, gross$1,751,231 $1,660,779 $227,850 $367,450 $182,525 $762,176 $1,905,183 $6,857,194 






F-55

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

The following tables present gross charge-offs by year of origination for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

December 31, 2023
Term Loans Charge-offs by Origination Year
(in thousands)20232022202120202019PriorRevolving Loans
Charge-Offs
Total
Year-To-Date Gross Charge-offs
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$— $— $— $— $— $90 $— $90 
Multi-family residential— — — — — 10,328 — 10,328 
Land development and construction loans— — — — — — — — 
— — — — — 10,418 — 10,418 
Single-family residential— — — — — 39 — 39 
Owner occupied— — — — — — — — 
— — — — — 10,457 — 10,457 
Commercial loans183 11,846 468 6,608 1,901 389 — 21,395 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances— — — — — — — 
Consumer loans and overdrafts1,002 13,700 11,415 1,260 24 612 — 28,013 
Total Year-To-Date Gross Charge-Offs$1,185 $25,546 $11,883 $7,868 $1,925 $11,458 $— $59,865 


December 31, 2022
Term Loans Charge-offs by Origination Year
(in thousands)20222021202020192018PriorRevolving Loans
Charge-Offs
Total
Year-To-Date Gross Charge-offs
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied$— $— $— $3,852 $— $— $— $3,852 
Multi-family residential— — — — — — — — 
Land development and construction loans— — — — — — — — 
— — — 3,852 — — — 3,852 
Single-family residential— — — — — 14 — 14 
Owner occupied— — — — — — — — 
— — — 3,852 — 14 — 3,866 
Commercial loans2,524 527 4,545 1,033 — 485 — 9,114 
Loans to financial institutions and acceptances— — — — — — — — 
Consumer loans and overdrafts3,120 4,604 1,395 — — 9,126 
Total Year-To-Date Gross Charge-Offs$5,644 $5,131 $5,940 $4,887 $— $504 $— $22,106 


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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Credit Risk Quality Indicators - Consumer Loan Classes
The credit risk quality of the Company’s residential real estate and consumer loan portfolios is evaluated by considering the repayment performance of individual borrowers, and then classified on an aggregate or pool basis. Loan secured by real estate in these classes which have been past due 90 days or more, and 120 days (non-real estate secured) or 180 days or more, are classified as Substandard and Loss, respectively. Beginning in 2022, unsecured consumer loans which become past due 90 days are charged- off (120 days previously). When the Company has documented that past due loans in these classes are well-secured and in the process of collection, then the loans may not be classified. These indicatorsLoan-To-Value and FICO scores are also an important indicator of credit quality for single-family residential loans and consumer loans. When loans are classified, loan-to-value is updated at least annually. FICO scores are typically at origination, except for a significant portion of indirect consumer loans which are updated at least quarterly.


Single-family residential loans:








December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)202320222021
Loan Balance%Loan Balance%Loan Balance%
Accrual Loans      
Current$1,451,346   98.95 %$1,097,952   99.56 %$655,270   99.09 %
30-59 Days Past Due4,046   0.28 %2,965   0.27 %531   0.08 %
60-89 Days Past Due3,511   0.24 %149   0.01 %412   0.06 %
90+ Days Past Due5,246   0.36 %253   0.02 %—   — %
12,803   0.88 %3,367   0.30 %943   0.14 %
Total Accrual Loans$1,464,149   99.83 %$1,101,319   99.86 %$656,213   99.23 %
Non-Accrual Loans      
Current$1,727   0.12 %$358   0.03 %$2,612   0.39 %
30-59 Days Past Due150   0.01 %175   0.02 %459   0.07 %
60-89 Days Past Due—   — %  — %—   — %
90+ Days Past Due582   0.04 %992   0.09 %2,055   0.31 %
732   0.05 %1,168   0.11 %2,514   0.38 %
Total Non-Accrual Loans2,459   0.17 %1,526   0.14 %5,126   0.77 %
Total single-family residential loans$1,466,608   100.00 %$1,102,845   100.00 %$661,339   100.00 %

F-40F-57

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
Consumer loans and overdrafts:
December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)202320222021
Loan Balance%Loan Balance%Loan Balance%
Accrual Loans      
Current$383,689   98.09 %$601,920   99.58 %$423,373   99.93 %
30-59 Days Past Due3,142   0.80 %2,439   0.40 %22   0.01 %
60-89 Days Past Due4,277   1.09 %62   0.01 %  — %
90+ Days Past Due54   0.01 %35   0.01 %  — %
7,473   1.90 %2,536   0.42 %35   0.01 %
Total Accrual Loans$391,162   99.99 %$604,456   100.00 %$423,408   99.94 %
Non-Accrual Loans      
Current$—   — %$  — %$251   0.06 %
30-59 Days Past Due—   — %—   — %—   — %
60-89 Days Past Due—   — %—   — %  — %
90+ Days Past Due38   0.01 %  — %  — %
38   0.01 %  — %  — %
Total Non-Accrual Loans38   0.01 %  — %257   0.06 %
Total consumer loans and overdrafts$391,200   100.00 %$604,460   100.00 %$423,665   100.00 %


Single-family residential loans:
December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)202020192018
Loan Balance%Loan Balance%Loan Balance%
Accrual Loans      
Current$626,468   97.95 %$526,497   97.67 %$518,106   97.12 %
30-59 Days Past Due1,807   0.28 %4,332   0.80 %7,634   1.43 %
60-89 Days Past Due627   0.10 %982   0.18 %633   0.12 %
90+ Days Past Due  %  %419   0.08 %
2,434   0.38 %5,314   0.98 %8,686   1.63 %
Total Accrual Loans$628,902   98.33 %$531,811   98.65 %$526,792   98.75 %
Non-Accrual Loans      
Current$5,333   0.83 %$3,902   0.72 %$1,624   0.30 %
30-59 Days Past Due1,336   0.21 %253   0.05 %276   0.05 %
60-89 Days Past Due44   0.01 %266   0.05 %1,703   0.32 %
90+ Days Past Due3,954   0.62 %2,870   0.53 %3,086   0.58 %
5,334   0.84 %3,389   0.63 %5,065   0.95 %
Total Non-Accrual Loans10,667   1.67 %7,291   1.35 %6,689   1.25 %
$639,569   100.00 %$539,102   100.00 %$533,481   100.00 %
Consumer loans and overdrafts:
December 31,
(in thousands, except percentages)202020192018
Loan Balance%Loan Balance%Loan Balance%
Accrual Loans      
Current$246,794   99.88 %$87,656   99.08 %$113,211   98.58 %
30-59 Days Past Due85   0.03 %215   0.24 %466   0.41 %
60-89 Days Past Due  %174   0.20 %243   0.21 %
90+ Days Past Due  %  0.01 %885   0.77 %
93   0.03 %394   0.45 %1,594   1.39 %
Total Accrual Loans$246,887   99.91 %$88,050   99.53 %$114,805   99.97 %
Non-Accrual Loans      
Current$203   0.08 %$374   0.42 %$16   0.01 %
30-59 Days Past Due  %  %  0.01 %
60-89 Days Past Due  %  %  %
90+ Days Past Due30   0.01 %40   0.05 %11   0.01 %
30   0.01 %42   0.05 %19   0.02 %
Total Non-Accrual Loans233   0.09 %416   0.47 %35   0.03 %
$247,120   100.00 %$88,466   100.00 %$114,840   100.00 %

F-41F-58

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Collateral -Dependent Loans

Loans are considered collateral-dependent when the repayment of the loan is expected to be provided by the sale or operation of the underlying collateral. The Company performs an individual evaluation as part of the process of calculating the allowance for credit losses related to these loans. The following tables present the amortized cost basis of collateral dependent loans related to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty by type of collateral as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
As of December 31, 2023
Collateral Type
(in thousands)Commercial Real EstateResidential Real EstateOtherTotalSpecific Reserves
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Multi-family residential$$— $— $$— 
— — — 
Single-family residential (1)— 773 — 773 — 
Owner occupied (2)3,684 — — 3,684 — 
3,692 773 — 4,465 — 
Commercial loans— — 21,250 21,250 8,073 
Consumer loans and overdrafts— — 36 36 34 
Total$3,692 $773 $21,286 $25,751 $8,107 
_________________

(1)Weighted-average loan-to-value was approximately 64.8% at December 31, 2023.
(2)Weighted-average loan-to-value was approximately 73.0% at December 31, 2023.



As of December 31, 2022
Collateral Type
(in thousands)Commercial Real EstateResidential Real EstateOtherTotalSpecific Reserves
Real estate loans
Commercial real estate
Nonowner occupied (1)$20,121 $— $— $20,121 $— 
Owner occupied (2)5,934 — — 5,934 — 
26,055 — — 26,055 — 
Commercial loans (3)1,998 — 6,401 8,399 5,179 
Total$28,053 $— $6,401 $34,454 $5,179 
_________________
(1)Weighted-average loan-to-value was approximately 92.7% at December 31, 2022.
(2)Weighted-average loan-to-value was approximately 62.7% at December 31, 2022.
(3)Includes loans with no specific reserves totaling $0.5 million with a weighted-average loan-to-value of approximately 42%

F-59

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Collateral dependent loans are evaluated on an individual basis for purposes for determining expected credit losses. For collateral-dependent loans where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Company expects repayment of the financial asset to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, the ACL is measured based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the loan as of the measurement date. When repayment is expected to be from the operation of the collateral, expected credit losses are calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the loan exceeds the present value of expected cash flows from the operation of the collateral. When repayment is expected to be from the sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the loan exceeds the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. The ACL may be zero if the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date exceeds the amortized cost basis of the loan. In the year ended December 31, 2023, the weighted-average loan-to-values related to existing owner-occupied collateral-dependent loans increased approximately 10.9% since December 31, 2022.


F-60

Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

6. Premises and Equipment, Net
Premises and equipment, net include the following:
December 31,Estimated
Useful
Lives
December 31,December 31,Estimated
Useful
Lives
(in thousands)(in thousands)20202019(in years)(in thousands)20232022(in years)
LandLand$18,307 $19,713 NALand$6,307 $$6,307 NANA
Buildings and improvementsBuildings and improvements81,017 99,457 10–30Buildings and improvements9,773 9,303 9,303 10–3010–30
Furniture and equipmentFurniture and equipment25,204 23,718 3–10Furniture and equipment18,684 21,499 21,499 3–103–10
Computer equipment and softwareComputer equipment and software27,053 25,897 3Computer equipment and software26,831 27,327 27,327 33
Leasehold improvementsLeasehold improvements21,708 22,740 5–10Leasehold improvements29,724 23,587 23,587 3–303–30
Work in progressWork in progress2,733 9,523 NAWork in progress5,315 6,644 6,644 NANA
$176,022 $201,048 
$
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortizationLess: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(66,032)(72,224)
$109,990 $128,824 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
$
$
$
In October 2021, the Company committed to a plan for the sale and leaseback of its headquarters building in Coral Gables, Florida. At the time, the Company estimated the fair value less the cost to sell the property exceeded the carrying value, and therefore no adjustment was needed. In December 2021, the Company sold its headquarters building for $135.0 million, with a carrying value of approximately $69.9 million at the time of sale, and realized a pretax gain of $62.4 million, net of transactions costs. Following the sale of the Headquarters Building, the Company leased-back the property for an eighteen-year term.
In 2020, the Company sold its operations center in the Beacon Industrial Park area of Doral, Florida (the “Beacon Operations Center”) with a carrying value of approximately $13.7 million and realized a loss of $1.7 million. Following the sale of the Beacon Operations Center, the Company leased-back the the property for a two-year term. In 2019, the Company sold vacant land adjacent to its Beacon Operations Center (the “vacant land”) with a carrying value of approximately $0.5 million, and realized a gain of approximately $2.8 million.
Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $9.4$6.8 million, $7.1$5.9 million and $8.5$7.3 million in the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, respectively. In 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021 fully-depreciated equipment with an original cost of approximately $5.1$6.7 million, $6.9$12.2 million and $0.8$1.3 million, respectively, were written-off and charged against their respective accumulated depreciation. In 2021, depreciation expense associated with the Company’s previously owned headquarters building was $1.8 million. No depreciation expense related to the headquarters building was recorded in 2023 and 2022 as this property was sold and leased-back in 2021. Depreciation expense in 20202023, 2022 and 2021 includes approximately $1.3$0.9 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million of accelerated depreciation of leasehold improvements resulting from branch closures. Depreciation expense in 2019 includes a reduction of approximately $0.7 million as a result of the correction of an error in the accounting for land in the Company’s Beacon Operations Center and the vacant land.

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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021


7. Time Deposits
Time deposits in denominations of $100,000 or more amounted to approximately $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion$928 million at December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, respectively. Time deposits in denominations of more than $250,000 amounted to approximately $661$693 million and $733$486 million at December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, respectively. The average interest rate paid on time deposits was approximately 2.12%3.80% in 20202023 and 2.72%1.75% in 2019.2022. As of December 31, 20202023 and 20192022 brokered time deposits amounted to $494$720 million and $662$609 million, respectively. At December 31, 20202023 and 20192022 the maturity of time deposits were as follows:
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages)20202019(in thousands, except percentages)20232022
Year of MaturityYear of MaturityAmount%Amount%Year of MaturityAmount%Amount%
2020$— — %$1,568,699 64.8 %
20211,359,022 66.6 %294,463 12.2 %
2022289,324 14.2 %233,227 9.6 %
20232023301,907 14.8 %253,382 10.5 %2023$— — — %$1,461,456 84.5 84.5 %
2024202454,831 2.7 %53,297 2.2 %20241,494,035 65.0 65.0 %133,059 7.7 7.7 %
2025 and thereafter36,478 1.7 %17,271 0.7 %
20252025517,694 22.5 %75,984 4.4 %
20262026166,783 7.3 %1,340 0.1 %
2027202764,668 2.8 %52,976 3.1 %
2028 and thereafter2028 and thereafter53,917 2.4 %3,440 0.2 %
TotalTotal$2,041,562 100.0 %$2,420,339 100.0 %Total$2,297,097 100.0 100.0 %$1,728,255 100.0 100.0 %

8.Advances From the Federal Home Loan Bank and Other Borrowings
At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, the Company had outstanding advances from the FHLB and other borrowings as follows:
Outstanding Balance at December 31,
Year of MaturityInterest
Rate
Interest
Rate Type
20202019
(in thousands)
20201.84% to 2.03%Variable$— $150,000 
20201.50% to 2.35%Fixed— 135,000 
20211.75% to 3.08%Fixed210,000 
20220.65% to 2.80%Fixed50,000 120,000 
20230.87% to 3.23%Fixed70,000 90,000 
2024 and after (1)0.62% to 2.42%Fixed930,000 530,000 
$1,050,000 $1,235,000 
__________________
Outstanding Balance at December 31,
Year of MaturityInterest
Rate
Interest
Rate Type
20232022
(in thousands)
20230.61% to 4.84%Fixed— 304,821 
20241.68% to 5.46%Fixed40,000 100,000 
20251.40% to 3.07%Fixed— 451,665 
20264.90%Fixed10,000 — 
2027 and after (1)1.82% to 3.58%Fixed595,000 50,000 
$645,000 $906,486 
_________________
(1)As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, includes $5302023, there were $595.0 million (interest rate - from 0.62% to 0.97%) in advances from the FHLB that arewith quarterly callable priorfeatures, and with fixed interest rates ranging from 3.44% to maturity.3.58%. As of December 31, 2022, there were no callable advances from the FHLB.

At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, the Company held stock of the FHLB for approximately $52$37 million and $60$42 million, respectively. The terms of the Company’s advance agreement with the FHLB require the Company to maintain certain investment securities and loans as collateral for these advances. At December 31, 20202023 and 20192022 the Company was in compliance with this requirement.
There were no other borrowings at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

There were 0 other borrowings at December 31, 2020 and 2019.In 2023, the Company realized total pretax gains of $40.1 million on the early repayment of $1.7 billion in advances from the FHLB. In 2022, the Company realized a net gain of $11.4 million on the early termination of $175 million of advances from the FHLB. In addition, in 2022, the Company incurred a loss of $0.7 million on the early repayment of $530 million in callable advances from the FHLB.

In early April 2020,2021, the Company restructured $420.0$285 million of its fixed-rate FHLB advances, maturing from 2021 towhich were subsequently terminated in 2023 by extending theirand are included among the $1.7 billion of early repayments mentioned above. This restructuring consisted of changing the original maturities’s range from 2023 to 2029maturity at lower interest rates. The new maturities of these FHLB advances ranged from 2 to 4 years compared to original maturities ranging from 2 to 8 years. The Company incurred a lossan early termination and modification penalty of $17.0$6.6 million which was deferred and being amortized over the term of the new advances, as an adjustment to the yields. In 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $0.6 million, $1.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively, included as part of interest expense, as a result of this restructuring whichamortization. At December 31, 2023, there was blended into the new interest rates of these advances affecting the yields through theirno remaining maturities.unamortized penalty fee. The modifications were not considered a substantial modification in accordance with GAAP.

9. Senior Notes
On June 23, 2020, the Company completed a $60.0 million offering of senior notes with a coupon rate of 5.75% and a maturity date of June 30, 2025 (the “Senior Notes”). The net proceeds, after direct issuance costs of $1.6 million, totaled $58.4 million. As of December 31, 2020,2023 and 2022, these Senior Notes amounted to $58.6$59.5 millionand $59.2 million, respectively, net of direct unamortized issuance costs of $1.4 million.$0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The Senior Notes are presented net of direct issuance costs in the consolidated financial statements. These costs have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the Senior Notes of 5 years as an adjustment to yield. These Senior Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated, rank equally with all of our existing and future unsecured, and unsubordinated indebtedness,indebtedness.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and are fullySubsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and unconditionally guaranteed by our wholly-owned intermediate holding company subsidiary Amerant Florida Bancorp (“Amerant Florida”).2021

10. Subordinated Notes
10.On March 9, 2022, the Company entered into a Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Amerant Florida (the “Guarantor”), and qualified institutional buyers pursuant to which the Company sold and issued $30.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due March 15, 2032 (the “Subordinated Notes”). Net proceeds were $29.1 million, after estimated direct issuance costs of approximately $0.9 million. Unamortized direct issuance costs are deferred and amortized over the term of the Subordinated Notes of 10 years. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, these Subordinated Notes amounted to $29.5 million and $29.3 million, respectively, net of direct unamortized issuance costs of $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
The Subordinated Notes will initially bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.25% per annum, from and including March 9, 2022, to but excluding March 15, 2027, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears. From and including March 15, 2027, to but excluding the stated maturity date or early redemption date, the interest rate will reset quarterly to an annual floating rate equal to the then-current benchmark rate, which will initially be the three-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 251 basis points, with interest during such period payable quarterly in arrears. If the three-month SOFR cannot be determined during the applicable floating rate period, a different index will be determined and used in accordance with the terms of the Subordinated Notes.
These Subordinated Notes are unsecured, subordinated obligations of the Company and rank junior in right of payment to all of the Company’s current and future senior indebtedness. Prior to March 15, 2027, the Company may redeem the Subordinated Notes, in whole but not in part, only under certain limited circumstances. On or after March 15, 2027, the Company may, at its option, redeem the Subordinated Notes, in whole or in part, on any interest payment date, subject to the receipt of any required regulatory approvals. The Subordinated Notes have been structured to qualify as Tier 2 capital of the Company for regulatory capital purposes, and rank equally in right of payment to all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness.
The Subordinated Notes were offered and sold by the Company in a private placement offering in reliance on exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D under the Securities Act. In connection with the sale and issuance of the Subordinated Notes, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement, pursuant to which the Company agreed to take certain actions to provide for the exchange of the Subordinated Notes for subordinated notes that are registered under the Securities Act and will have substantially the same terms.
On June 21, 2022, the Company successfully completed the exchange of all of its outstanding Subordinated Notes for an equal principal amount of its registered 4.25% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2032 (the “Registered Subordinated Notes”). The terms of the Registered Subordinated Notes are substantially identical to the terms of the Subordinated Notes, except that the Registered Subordinated Notes are not subject to the transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provisions (under the circumstances described in the registration rights agreement relating to our fulfillment of our registration obligations) applicable to the Subordinated Notes.
On August 2, 2022, the Company completed an intercompany transaction of entities under common control, pursuant to which the Guarantor, merged with and into the Company, with the Company as sole survivor . See Note 1- Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for more details on the Amerant Florida Merger.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
11. Junior Subordinated Debentures Held by Trust Subsidiaries
At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, the Company owns all of the common capital securities issued by 5 and 6 statutory trust subsidiaries (“the Trust(the “Trust Subsidiaries”), respectively. These Trust Subsidiaries were first formed by the Company for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities (“the Trust(the “Trust Preferred Securities”) and investing the proceeds in junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company.Company (the “Debentures”). The debenturesDebentures are guaranteed by the Company. The Company records the common capital securities issued by the Trust Subsidiaries in other assets in its consolidated balance sheets using the equity method. The junior subordinated debenturesDebentures issued to the Trust Subsidiaries, less the common securities of the Trust Subsidiaries, qualify as Tier 1 regulatory capital.

The following table providestables provide information on the outstanding Trust Preferred Securities issued by, and the junior subordinated debenturesDebentures issued to, each of the Trust Subsidiaries as of December 31, 20202023 and 2019:2022:
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2023
(in thousands)
(in thousands)
(in thousands)Amount of
Trust
Preferred
Securities
Issued by
Trust
Principal
Amount of
Debenture
Issued to
Trust
Year of
Issuance
Annual Rate of Trust
Preferred Securities
and Debentures
Year of
Maturity
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
(in thousands)Amount of
Trust
Preferred
Securities
Issued by
Trust
Principal
Amount of
Debenture
Issued to
Trust
Amount of
Trust
Preferred
Securities
Issued by
Trust
Principal
Amount of
Debenture
Issued to
Trust
Year of
Issuance
Annual Rate of Trust
Preferred Securities
and Debentures
Year of
Maturity
Commercebank Capital Trust I$$$26,830 $28,068 19988.90%2028
Commercebank Capital Trust VI
Commercebank Capital Trust VI
Commercebank Capital Trust VICommercebank Capital Trust VI9,250 9,537 9,250 9,537 20023-M LIBOR + 3.35%20339,250 9,537 9,537 200220023-M SOFR + 3.61%2033
Commercebank Capital Trust VIICommercebank Capital Trust VII8,000 8,248 8,000 8,248 20033-M LIBOR + 3.25%2033Commercebank Capital Trust VII8,000 8,248 8,248 200320033-M SOFR + 3.51%2033
Commercebank Capital Trust VIIICommercebank Capital Trust VIII5,000 5,155 5,000 5,155 20043-M LIBOR + 2.85%2034Commercebank Capital Trust VIII5,000 5,155 5,155 200420043-M SOFR + 3.11%2034
Commercebank Capital Trust IXCommercebank Capital Trust IX25,000 25,774 25,000 25,774 20063-M LIBOR + 1.75%2038Commercebank Capital Trust IX25,000 25,774 25,774 200620063-M SOFR + 2.01%2038
Commercebank Capital Trust XCommercebank Capital Trust X15,000 15,464 15,000 15,464 20063-M LIBOR + 1.78%2036Commercebank Capital Trust X15,000 15,464 15,464 200620063-M SOFR + 2.04%2036
$
$62,250 $64,178 $89,080 $92,246 
December 31, 2022
(in thousands)Amount of
Trust
Preferred
Securities
Issued by
Trust
Principal
Amount of
Debenture
Issued to
Trust
Year of
Issuance
Annual Rate of Trust
Preferred Securities
and Debentures
Year of
Maturity
Commercebank Capital Trust VI9,250 9,537 20023-M LIBOR + 3.35%2033
Commercebank Capital Trust VII8,000 8,248 20033-M LIBOR + 3.25%2033
Commercebank Capital Trust VIII5,000 5,155 20043-M LIBOR + 2.85%2034
Commercebank Capital Trust IX25,000 25,774 20063-M LIBOR + 1.75%2038
Commercebank Capital Trust X15,000 15,464 20063-M LIBOR + 1.78%2036
$62,250 $64,178 



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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
The Company and the Trust Subsidiaries have the option to defer payment of interest on the obligations for up to 10 semi-annual periods. In 20202023 and 2019, 02022, no payments of interest have been deferred on these obligations. The Trust Preferred Securities are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, upon the maturity or early redemption of the debentures. Early redemption premiums may be payable.
On January 30, 2020,LIBOR Cessation and Replacement Rate
The Trust Preferred Securities and the Debentures issued by the Company redeemedinclude calculations that are based on 3-month LIBOR. On March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act (the ‘LIBOR Act”) was signed into law. Under the LIBOR Act, on the first London banking day after June 30, 2023 (the “LIBOR Replacement Date”), a benchmark replacement recommend by the Federal Reserve will replace LIBOR in certain contracts, including those that contain no fallback provisions and other related aspects. The Federal Reserve issued its final regulations under the LIBOR Act. The final regulations: (i) address the applicability of the LIBOR Act to various LIBOR contracts, which include the Trust Preferred Securities and the Debentures, (ii) identify the benchmark replacements, (iii) include certain benchmark replacement conforming changes, (iv) address the issue of preemption and (v) provide other clarifications, definitions and information.
Based on a review of the Trust Preferred Securities and the Debentures documents, these documents do not provide a replacement rate for 3-month LIBOR or include other fallback provisions which would apply on the LIBOR Replacement Date. Based on the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority’s current statements, it does not appear that a synthetic LIBOR benchmark will be applicable to the Trust Preferred Securities and Debentures. Accordingly, absent an amendment to the Trust Preferred Securities and Debenture documents, some other change in applicable law, rule, regulation, or some other development, on and after the LIBOR Replacement Date, 3-month CME term SOFR or 6-month CME Term SOFR (as defined in the regulations) as adjusted by the relevant spread adjustment of 0.26161%, shall be the benchmark replacement for 3-month LIBOR in the Trust Preferred Securities and Debentures documents, and all $26.8 millionapplicable benchmark replacement conforming changes as specified in the regulations will become an integral part of its outstanding 8.90% trust preferred capital securities issuedthe Trust Preferred Securities and Debenture documents, without any action by Commercebank Capital Trust I (“Capital Trust I”) at a redemption price of 100%.any party. The Company simultaneously redeemeddid not seek to amend the Trust Preferred Securities and Debentures documents to reflect any other LIBOR benchmark replacement. Accordingly, after the LIBOR Replacement Date, the 3-month CME term SOFR as adjusted by the relevant spread adjustment of 0.26161%, became the benchmark replacement for 3-month LIBOR in the Trust Preferred Securities and Debentures documents, and all junior subordinated debentures held by Capital Trust Iapplicable benchmark replacement conforming changes as specified in the regulations became an integral part of this redemption transaction. This redemption reduced total cashthe Trust Preferred Securities and cash equivalents by $27.1 million, financial liabilities by $28.1 million, other assets by $3.4 million,Debenture documents.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and other liabilities by $2.2 million during the three months ended MarchSubsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020. In addition, the Company recorded a charge of $0.3 million during the same period for the unamortized issuance costs. This redemption reduced the Company’s Tier 1 equity capital by a net amount of $24.7 million.2023, 2022 and 2021

11.12. Derivative Instruments
From time to time, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate management activities and to facilitate customer transactions. Those instruments may or may not be designated and qualify as part of a hedging relationship. The customer derivatives we use for the Company’s account are generally matched against derivatives from third parties, but are not designated as hedging instruments.
At December 31, 20202023 and 20192022 the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments was as follows:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
December 31, 2023December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Fair valueFair value
(in thousands)(in thousands)Other AssetsOther LiabilitiesOther AssetsOther Liabilities(in thousands)Number of contractsNotional AmountsOther AssetsOther LiabilitiesNumber of contractsNotional AmountsOther AssetsOther Liabilities
Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedgesInterest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges$$1,658 $301 $
Interest rate swaps not designated as hedging instruments:
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swaps:
Interest rate swaps:
Interest rate swaps:
Customers
Customers
CustomersCustomers39,715 11,236 527 
Third party brokerThird party broker39,715 527 11,236 
39,715 39,715 11,763 11,763 
Interest rate caps not designated as hedging instruments:
292
Interest rate caps:
Customers
Customers
CustomersCustomers58 46 
Third party brokerThird party broker33 
27
58 33 46 
Credit risk participation agreements
Credit risk participation agreements
Credit risk participation agreements
$39,721 $41,431 $12,097 $11,809 
Mortgage derivatives:
Mortgage derivatives:
Mortgage derivatives:
Interest rate lock commitments
Interest rate lock commitments
Interest rate lock commitments
Forward contracts
104
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Total


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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Interest Rate Swaps On Debt Instruments

The Company enters into interest rate swap contracts on debt instruments which the Company designates and qualifyqualifies as cash flow hedges. These interest rate swaps are designed as cash flow hedges to manage the exposure that arises from differences in the amount of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and the known or expected cash payments on designated debt instruments. These interest rate swap contracts involve the Company’s payment of fixed-rate amounts in exchange for the Company receiving variable-rate payments over the life of the contracts without exchange of the underlying notional amount.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, the Company had 5five interest rate swap contracts with notional amounts totaling $64.2 million, thatmaturing in the third and fourth quarters of 2025. These contracts were designated as cash flow hedges to manage the exposure of variable rate interest payments on all of the Company’s outstanding variable-rate junior subordinated debentures with principal amounts at December 31, 20202023 and 20192022 totaling $64.2 million. The Company expects these interest rate swaps to be highly effective in offsetting the effects of changes in interest rates on cash flows associated with the Company’s variable-rate junior subordinated debentures. In 2020, we2023 and 2022, the Company recognized unrealized gains and losses of $0.3$0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in connection with these interest rate swap contracts, (unrealized gains of $0.1 million in 2019), which were included as as part of interest expense on junior subordinated debentures in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.income (loss). As of December 31, 2020,2023, the estimated net unrealized lossesgains in accumulated other comprehensive expected to be reclassified into expense in the next twelve months amounted to $0.3$0.6 million.

In 2019, the Company terminated 16 interest rate swaps that had been designated as cash flow hedges of variable rate interest payments on the outstanding and expected rollover of variable-rate advances from the FHLB. The Company is recognizing the contracts’ cumulative net unrealized gains of $8.9 million in earnings over the remaining original life of the terminated interest rate swaps ranging between one month and seven years. TheIn 2023 and 2022 , the Company recognized approximately $1.3 million and $1.4 million, and $1.2 millionrespectively, as a reduction of interest expense on FHLB advances in 2020 and 2019 as a result of this amortization. As of December 31, 2023, the remaining cumulative net unrealized gains related to these interest rate swaps was $2.3 million.

Interest Rate Swaps On Loans

In the second quarter of 2023, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract with a notional amount of $50.0 million, and maturity in the second quarter of 2025. The Company designated this interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge to manage interest rate risk exposure on variable rate interest receipts on the first $50 million principal balance of a pool of loans. This interest rate swap contract involves the Company’s payment of variable-rate amounts in exchange for the Company receiving fixed-rate payments over the life of the contract without exchange of the underlying notional amount. In 2023, the Company recognized unrealized losses of $0.4 million related to this interest rate swap contract. These unrealized losses were included as part of interest income on loans in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. As of December 31, 2023, the estimated net unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income expected to be reclassified into interest income in the next twelve months amounted to $0.4 million.

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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
a) Customer related positions
The Company offers certain derivatives products, including interest rate swaps and caps, directly to qualified commercial banking customers to facilitate their risk management strategies. The Company partially offsets its exposure to interest rate swaps and caps by entering similar derivative contracts with various third-party brokers.

Interest Rate Swaps
Interest rate swap contracts involve the Company’s payment of variable-rate amounts to customers in exchange for the Company receiving fixed-rate payments from customers over the life of the contracts without exchange of the underlying notional amount. These instruments have maturities ranging from less than 1 to 13 years in 2023 (1 to 14 years in 2022).
The Company enters into swap participation agreements with other financial institutions to manage the credit risk exposure on certain interest rate swaps with customers. Under these agreements, the Company, as the beneficiary or guarantor, will receive or make payments from/to the counterparty if the borrower defaults on the related interest rate swap contract. The notional amount of these agreements is based on the Company’s pro-rata share of the related interest rate swap contracts.
Interest Rate Caps
Interest rate cap contracts involve the Company making payments if an interest rate exceeds the agreed strike price. These instruments have maturities ranging from less than 1 to 11 years in 2023 (less than 1 to 12 years in 2022).
In April 2022, the Company entered into 4 interest rate cap contracts with various third-party brokers with total notional amounts of $140.0 million. These interest rate caps initially served to partially offset changes in the estimated fair value of interest rate cap contracts with customers. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were 1 and 4 interest rate cap contracts, respectively, with total notional amounts of $35.0 million and $140.0 million, respectively, in connection with this transaction.

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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

b) Mortgage Derivatives
The Company enters into interest rate lock commitments and forward sale contracts to manage the risk exposure in the mortgage banking area. Interest rate lock commitments guarantee the funding of residential mortgage loans originated for sale, at specified interest rates and times in the future. Forward sale contracts consist of commitments to deliver mortgage loans, originated and/or purchased, in the secondary market at a future date. In 2023 and 2022, the change in the fair value of these instruments was an unrealized loss and gain of $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. These amounts were recorded as part of other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features
Some agreements may require the posting of pledgedCompany to pledge securities as collateral when the valuation of the interest rate swap fallsderivative contracts fall below a certain amount.
There were no securities pledged as collateral for interest rate swaps in a liability position at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2020 and 20192022, there were $0.5 million in debt securities held for sale pledged as collateral to secure interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges, with a fair value of $45 thousand. Additionally, most of our derivative arrangements with counterparties require the derivative contracts subject to credit-risk related contingent features was as follows:
(in thousands)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Fair value of derivative contracts$41,373 $11,763 
Securities Pledged52,857 15,102 
Liquidity exposure$(11,484)$(3,339)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Interest Rate Swaps
posting of collateral upon meeting certain net exposure threshold. At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, the Company had 76 and 49 interest rate swap contracts with customers with a total notional amountcash held as collateral for derivatives margin calls of $475.6$25.0 million and $405.2$41.6 million, respectively. These instruments involve the Company’s paymentSee Note 2 “Interest Earning Deposits with Banks” for additional information about cash held as collateral. As of fixed-rate amounts in exchange for the Company receiving variable-rate payments over the life of the contracts without exchange of the underlying notional amount. In addition, at December 31, 20202023 and 2019, the Company had interest rate swap mirror contracts with third party brokers and similar terms. These instruments have maturities ranging from 32022, there were no collateral requirements related to 14 years in 2020 (4 to 10 years in 2019).
In 2019, we entered into swap participation agreements with other financial institutions to manage the credit risk exposure on certain interest rate swaps with customers. Under these agreements, the Company,third-party brokers not designated as the beneficiary or guarantor, will receive or make payments from/to the counterparty if the borrower defaults on the related interest rate swap contract. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had 2 and 3 swap participation agreements with an aggregate notional amount of approximately $32.0 million and $50.2 million, respectively. The notional amount of these agreements is based on the Company’s pro-rata share of the related interest rate swap contracts. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fair value of swap participation agreements was not significant.hedging instruments.


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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
Interest Rate Caps
At December 31, 2020
13. Leases
The Company leases certain premises and 2019, the Company had 23 and 16 interest rate cap contracts with customers with a total notional amount of $486.5 million and $315.2 million, respectively. These instruments involve the Company making payments if an interest rate exceeds the agreed strike price. In addition, at December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had 8 and 13 interest rate cap mirror contracts with various third party brokers with a total notional amount of $152.2 million and $234.1 million, respectively. These instrumentsequipment under operating leases. The operating leases have maturitiesremaining lease terms ranging from less than 1one year to 342 years, some of which have renewal options reasonably certain to be exercised and, therefore, have been reflected in 2020 (less than 1the total lease term and used for the calculation of minimum payments required.
Certain operating leases contain variable lease payments which include mostly common area maintenance and taxes, included in occupancy and equipment on the consolidated statements of income. The Company had $2.2 million, $1.7 million and $1.4 million in variable lease payments during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The following table presents lease costs for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
(in thousands)December 31, 2023December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Lease cost
Operating lease cost$18,390 $17,568 $8,497 
Short-term lease cost49 62 176
Variable lease cost2,238 1,746 1,371 
Sublease income(3,171)(3,312)(105)
Total lease cost$17,506 $16,064 $9,939 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset of $118.5 million and $140.0 million and total operating lease liability of $126.9 million and $145.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had a short-term lease liability of $3.8 million and $5.2 million, respectively, included as part of other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
The following table provides supplemental information to 4leases as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
December 31, 2023December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
(in thousands, except weighted average data)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities$15,544 $14,492 $8,202 
Weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases16.6 years18.1 years19.2 years
Weighted average discount rate for operating leases9.85 %5.94 %5.94 %
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

The following table presents a maturity analysis and reconciliation of the undiscounted cash flows to the total operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023:
(in thousands)
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2024$15,195 
202515,487 
202615,748 
202716,042 
Thereafter201,028 
Total minimum payments required263,500 
Less: implied interest(136,551)
Total lease obligations$126,949 
Actual rental expenses may include deferred rents that are recognized as rent expense on a straight line basis. Rent expense under these leases, net of sublease income, was approximately $17.5 million, $16.1 million and $9.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
In 2023 and 2022, rental income associated with the subleasing of portions of the Company’s headquarters building is presented as a reduction to rent expense under lease agreements under occupancy and equipment cost (included as part of other noninterest income in 2019)2021 in connection with the previously-owned headquarters building). Rental income from subleases was $3.2 million, $3.3 million and $2.9 million in the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In 2023 and 2022, rental income includes $2.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively, related to the subleasing of portions of the Company’s headquarters building, and $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively, mainly associated with the sublease of NY office space ($2.9 million in 2021 related to the subleasing of portions of the Company’s headquarters building). In 2023, rent expense includes an additional expense of $0.3 million related to the closing of one branch in the third quarter of 2023. In 2021, rent expense includes an additional expense of $0.5 million related to the closing of one branch in the fourth quarter of 2021.
In the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded ROU asset impairment charges of $1.1 million, $1.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively. ROU asset impairment charges in 2023 were in connection with the closure of a branch in Houston, Texas in 2023, and with the closure of another branch in Miami, Florida in 2023. In 2022 and 2021, ROU asset impairment charges were associated with the closure of a branch in Pembroke Pines, Florida in 2022 and the closure of the NYC loan production office in 2021, respectively. These impairments were recorded as occupancy and equipment expense on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
The Company provides equipment financing through a variety of loan and lease structures, including direct or sale type finance leases and operating leases. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were $3.2 million and $13.6 million, respectively, in direct or sale type finance leases included as part of loans held for investment, gross in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, and included as part of commercial loans in our loan portfolio held for investment. As of December 31, 2023, there were $2.9 million in operating leases included as part of premises and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021


12.14. Incentive Compensation and Benefit Plans
a) Stock-based Incentive Compensation Plan
On March 12, 2018, the Former Parent, our sole shareholder at that time, approved the Amerant Bancorp Inc. 2018 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2018 Equity Plan”). The 2018 Equity Plan was renamed as of August 8, 2019 to reflect the change of the Company’s name to Amerant Bancorp Inc. on June 5, 2019. The Company has reserved up to 3,333,333 shares of Class A common stock for issuance pursuant to the grant of options, rights, appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other awards under the Amerant Bancorp Inc. 2018 Equity Plan.and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2018 Equity Plan”).
On December 21, 2018,February 11, 2021, the Company adopted a new form of performance based restricted stock unit agreement (“PSU Agreement”), and a new form of restricted stock unit agreement (the “RSU Agreement”) that is used in connection with the closing of the Company’s IPO, the Company’s directors were granted restricted stock units, or RSUs, and various Company officers and employees were granted restricted Class A common stock awards, or RSAs,a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTI Plan”), a sub-plan under the 2018 Equity Plan.
Restricted Stock Awards
The following table shows the activity of restricted stock awards in 2023:
Number of restricted sharesWeighted-average grant date fair value
Non-vested shares, beginning of year295,076 $25.83 
Granted10,440 27.42
Vested(112,263)24.36
Forfeited(41,973)24.20
Non-vested shares, end of year151,280 27.49
On March 25, 2020,
In 2023, the Company granted 6,59110,440 shares of restricted Class A common stock (“RSAs”) to one employee.These shares of restricted stockvarious employees, under the LTI plan. These RSAs will vest in three approximatelysubstantially equal amounts on eachthe first three anniversaries of March 25, 2021, 2022 and 2023.the date of grant. The average fair value of the restricted stockRSAs granted was based on the market price of the shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at the grant date which was $15.17.averaged $27.42 per share.
On October 7, 2019
In 2022, the Company granted 2,583 shares of restricted Class A common stock175,601 RSAs to a new employee.various executive officers and certain employees, under the LTI plan. These shares of restricted stock will vest in three approximatelysubstantially equal amounts on each October 7, 2020, 2021 and 2022.the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. The average fair value of the restricted stockRSAs granted was based on the market price of the shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at the grant date which was $19.35.averaged $31.83 per share
On January 22, 2019,
In 2021, the Company granted 1,299 shares of restricted Class A common stock252,503 RSAs to an employee who was not included incertain employees, under the December 21, 2018 restricted stock award. These shares of restricted stockLTI plan, including: (i) 203,692 RSAs that will vest in three substantially equal amounts on the first three approximatelyanniversaries of the date of grant, and (ii) 48,811 shares of which 50% will vest in two substantially equal amounts on each of January 21, 2020, 2021the first two anniversaries of the date of grant, and 2022.the remaining 50% will vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant. The average fair value of the restricted stockRSAs granted was based on the market price of the shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at the grant date which was $13.58averaged $18.45 per share.
On December 21, 2018, the Company granted 736,839 shares of restricted Class A common stock to officers and employees. These shares of restricted stock will vest in
three approximately equal amounts on each of December 21, 2019, 2020 and 2021. The fair value of the restricted stock granted was based on the market price of the shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at the grant date which was $13.45.

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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192022, 2021 and 20182021

The following table shows the activity of restricted stock awards in 2020:
Number of restricted sharesWeighted-average grant date fair value
Non-vested shares, beginning of year495,131 $13.48 
Granted6,591 15.17 
Vested(204,618)13.48 
Forfeited(86,681)13.45 
Non-vested shares, end of year210,423 $13.55 

In 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, the Company recorded $1.9$2.3 million $5.9, $3.7 million and $0.2$2.8 million of compensation expense, respectively, related to restricted stock awards.RSAs. The total unearned deferred compensation expense of $0.9$1.1 million for all unvested restricted stockRSAs outstanding at December 31, 20202023 will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.01.1 years.
Restricted Stock Units Awards
On June 3, 2020, the Company granted 33,453 RSUs to its non-employee directors. Of the 33,453 RSUs, 22,302 RSUs are settled in shares of Class A common stock while the remaining 11,151 are settled in cash, both upon vesting. These RSUs will vest on June 3, 2021.
On June 4, 2019 the Company granted 3,439 RSUs to one of its non-employee directors. These 3,439 RSUs are settled in shares of Class A common stock(“RSUs”) and vested on June 4, 2020.Performance Stock Units (“PSUs”)
On December 21, 2018,The following table shows the activity of RSUs and PSUs in 2023:
Stock-settled RSUsStock-settled PSUs
Number of RSUsWeighted-average grant date fair valueNumber of PSUsWeighted-average grant date fair value
Nonvested, beginning of year123,970 22.83137,199 17.43
Granted246,965 24.0253,420 25.09
Vested(65,526)22.68(10,621)18.99
Forfeited(16,464)25.10(2,867)33.63
Non-vested, end of year288,945 23.75177,131 19.39
The tables below show detailed information about RSUs and PSUs granted to various Company granted 86,535 RSUs to its non-employee directors. Ofexecutives and employees for the 86,535 RSUs, 57,690 RSUs are settled in shares of Class A common stock while the remaining 28,845 RSUs are settled in cash, both upon vesting. These RSUs vest in three approximately equal amounts on each of December 21, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
In 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of director’s compensation related to these RSUs. The total unearned directors compensation of $0.2 million for all unvested stock-settled RSUs atyears ended December 31, 2020 will be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.6 years.2023, 2022, and 2021:







December 31, 2023
Award TypeNumber of UnitsVesting PeriodAwardeeWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
RSUs195,547 1/3 Each Year Equally for Three YearsVarious Executive(s) and Employees
RSUs22,498 20% Vesting Equally In Each of First Two Years, and 60% Vesting in Third YearVarious Executive(s) and Employees
Total RSUs218,045 24.46
Total PSUs53,420 Three Year Performance TargetVarious Executive(s) and Employees25.09


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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192022, 2021 and 20182021


December 31, 2022
Award TypeNumber of UnitsVesting PeriodAwardeeWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total RSUs34,589 1/3 Each Year Equally for Three YearsVarious Executive(s) and Employees33.23
Total PSUs26,415 Three Year Performance TargetVarious Executive(s) and Employees33.63

December 31, 2021
Award TypeNumber of UnitsVesting PeriodAwardeeWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Total RSUs120,513 1/3 Each Year Equally for Three YearsVarious Executive(s) and Employees16.65
Total PSUs120,513 Three Year Performance TargetVarious Executive(s) and Employees13.81

For each of the years where PSUs were granted, the PSUs generally vest at the end of a three-year performance period, but only results in the issuance of shares of Class A common stock if the Company achieves a performance target. The actual amount of PSUs, if earned, varies on the percentage of the performance target achieved and could result in more or less shares issued than the number of units granted in each of the precedent years outlined in the tables above.
The following table below shows detailed information about RSUs granted to the activityCompany’s independent directors for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021:
YearStock-Settled RSUsCash-Settled RSUTotal RSUVesting PeriodAwardeeWeighted-average grant date fair value
202328,920 — 28,920 1 YearIndependent Directors20.74
202217,250 — 17,250 1 YearIndependent Directors28.98
2021— 6,573 6,573 1 YearIndependent Directors22.82
202113,146 — 13,146 1 YearIndependent Directors22.82

In 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded compensation expense related to RSUs and PSUs of $4.5 million, $2.1 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The total unearned compensation of $4.3 million for all unvested stock-settled RSUs in 2020:and PSUs at December 31, 2023 will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.1 years.
Stock-settled RSUsCash-settled RSUsTotal RSUs
Number of RSUsWeighted-average grant date fair valueNumber of RSUsWeighted-average grant date fair valueNumber of RSUsWeighted-average grant date fair value
Nonvested, beginning of year35,489 $13.91 19,230 $13.45 54,719 $13.75 
Granted22,302 13.45 11,151 13.45 33,453 13.45 
Vested(19,464)14.28 (9,615)13.45 (29,079)13.45 
Forfeited
Non-vested, end of year38,327 $13.45 20,766 $13.45 $59,093 $13.72 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2021

b) Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company offers an ESPP. The ESPP became effective on February 14, 2022, subject to obtaining shareholder approval. On June 8, 2022, the shareholders of the Company approved the ESPP. An aggregate of one million (1,000,000) shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock (“Common Stock”) have been reserved for issuance under the ESPP. The purpose of the ESPP is to provide eligible employees of the Company and its designated subsidiaries with the opportunity to acquire a stock ownership interest in the Company on favorable terms and to pay for such acquisitions through payroll deductions. The number of shares of Class A common stock issued in 2023 and 2022 under the ESPP was 56,927 and 35,337, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized compensation expense of $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively, in connection with the ESPP.

c) Employee Benefit Plan

The Amerant Bank, U.S.A.N.A. Retirement Benefits Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) is a 401(k) benefit plan covering substantially all employees of the Company.
The Company matches 100% of each participant’s contribution up to a maximum of 5% of their annual salary. Contributions by the Company to the Plan are based upon a fixed percentage of participants’ salaries as defined by the Plan. The Plan enables Highly Compensated employees to contribute up to the maximum allowed without further restrictions. All contributions made by the Company to the participants’ accounts are vested immediately. In addition, employees with at least three months of service and who have reached a certain age may contribute a percentage of their salaries to the Plan as elected by each participant. The Company contributed to the Plan approximately $3.6 million and $3.7$3.3 million in 20202023 and 20192022 respectively, in matching contributions.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

The Company maintains the Amerant Bank, N.A. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan as a non-qualified plan for eligible highly compensated employees (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”). The Deferred Compensation Plan permits deferrals of compensation above the amounts that can be contributed for retirement under the 401(k) Plan. Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, eligible employees may elect to defer all or a portion of their annual salary and cash incentive awards and allows themawards. Effective January 1, 2022, there were no matching contributions from the Company under the Deferred Compensation Plan. Prior to 2022, eligible employees were allowed to receive matching contributions up to 5% of their annual salary if the maximum amount allowed in the 401k hashad been reached. All deferrals, employer contributions, earnings, and gains on each participant’s account in the Deferred Compensation Plan are vested immediately. The 2018 Spin-off caused an unexpected early distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes from the Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company partially compensated plan participants, in the aggregate amount of $1.2 million, for the higher tax expense they incurred as a result of the distribution increasing the plan participants’ estimated effective federal income tax rates by recording a contribution to the plan on behalf of its participants.
c)d) Subsequent Events:Events

On February 11, 2021,16, 2024, the Company adopted a new formgranted an aggregate of performance based restricted stock unit agreement (“PSU Agreement”),141,219 RSUs and a new formtarget of restricted stock unit agreement (the “RSU Agreement”) that will be used in connection with a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTI Plan”), a sub-plan68,473 PSUs to various executive officers and other employees under the 2018 EquityLTI Plan.
On February 16, 2021, in connection with the LTI Plan, the Company entered into five separate PSU Agreements with five executives which granted awards consisting of the opportunity to earn, in the aggregate, a maximum of 87,205 performance based restricted stock units, or PSUs. These PSUs generally vests at the end of a three-year performance period, but only results in the issuance of shares if the Company achieves a performance target. The fair value of the PSUs granted was $16.67 based on the results of a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value of the PSUs as of the grant date.
On February 16, 2021, in connection with the LTI Plan, the Company entered into five separate RSU Agreements with five executive which granted, in the aggregate, 58,136 RSUs that will vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. The fair value of the RSUsgranted was based on the market price of the shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at the grant date which was $16.65.
On February 16, 2021, in connection with a sign-on grant, the Company entered into a PSU Agreement with one executive which granted an award consisting of the opportunity to earn a maximum 62,377 performance based restricted stock units, or PSUs. These PSUs generally vests at the end of a three-year performance period, but only results in the insurance of shares if the Company achieves a performance target. The fair value of the PSUs granted was $11.15 based on the results of a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value of the PSUs as of the grant date.
On February 16, 2021, in connection with a sign-on grant, the Company entered into a RSU Agreement with one executive which granted 62,377 RSUs that will vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. The fair value of the RSUs granted was based on the market price of the shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at the grant date which was $16.65.

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
13.15. Income Taxes
The components of the income tax (benefit) expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021 are as follows:
(in thousands)(in thousands)202020192018(in thousands)202320222021
Current tax expense:Current tax expense:
Federal
Federal
FederalFederal$7,401 $9,748 $7,298 
StateState2,163 2,279 1,964 
Deferred tax (benefit) expense(12,176)670 2,471 
Deferred tax (expense) benefit
$(2,612)$12,697 $11,733 
Deferred tax (expense) benefit
Deferred tax (expense) benefit
Total income tax expense
The following table shows a reconciliation of the income tax expense at the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate for each of the three years ended December 31, 2023:
202320222021
(in thousands, except percentages)Amount%Amount%Amount%
Tax expense calculated at the statutory federal income tax rate$8,679 21.00 %$16,503 21.00 %$30,244 21.00 %
Increases (decreases) resulting from:
Non-taxable interest income(491)(1.19)%(342)(0.44)%(350)(0.24)%
Taxable (non-taxable) BOLI income1,302 3.15 %(1,135)(1.44)%(1,146)(0.80)%
Stock-based compensation(40)(0.10)%(251)(0.32)%(856)(0.59)%
State and city income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit1,037 2.51 %882 1.12 %3,697 2.57 %
Rate differential on deferred items(2,159)(5.22)%(245)(0.31)%769 0.53 %
Noncontrolling interest357 0.87 %283 0.36 %548 0.38 %
Disallowed interest expense and other expenses1,547 3.74 %891 1.13 %421 0.29 %
Other, net307 0.74 %35 0.05 %382 0.27 %
Total income tax expense$10,539 25.50 %$16,621 21.15 %$33,709 23.41 %
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

The following table shows a reconciliation of the income tax (benefit) expense at the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate for the three years ended December 31, 2020:
202020192018
(in thousands, except percentages)Amount%Amount%Amount%
Tax (benefit) expense calculated at the statutory federal income tax rate$(910)21.00 %$13,447 21.00 %$12,089 21.00 %
Increases (decreases) resulting from:
Non-taxable interest income(634)14.62 %(1,132)(1.77)%(1,507)(2.62)%
Non-taxable BOLI income(1,196)27.59 %(1,199)(1.87)%(1,223)(2.12)%
Stock-based compensation(55)1.27 %(454)(0.71)%%
Non-deductible Spin-off costs%%1,711 2.97 %
Disallowed interest expense allocable to tax exempt securities and other expenses396 (9.14)%624 0.97 %627 1.09 %
State and city income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit1,709 (39.43)%1,800 2.81 %(131)(0.23)%
Rate differential on deferred items(1,907)44.00 %162 0.25 %179 0.31 %
Other, net(15)0.36 %(551)(0.85)%(12)(0.02)%
$(2,612)60.27 %$12,697 19.83 %$11,733 20.38 %
The composition of the net deferred tax asset is as follows:
December 31,
(in thousands)20202019
Tax effect of temporary differences
Provision for loan losses$25,548 $11,487 
Deferred compensation expense2,509 3,457 
Interest income on nonaccrual loans1,317 660 
Dividend income803 301 
Stock-based compensation expense583 769 
Goodwill amortization(4,603)(4,293)
Depreciation and amortization(5,166)(3,881)
Net unrealized gains in other comprehensive income(10,246)(4,282)
Other946 1,262 
Net deferred tax assets$11,691 $5,480 
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
December 31,
(in thousands)20232022
Tax effect of temporary differences
Lease liability$32,449 $37,345 
Net unrealized losses in other comprehensive loss24,053 27,663 
Allowance for credit losses23,177 19,811 
Valuation allowance on loans held for sale
9,130 — 
Deferred compensation5,026 5,090 
Stock-based compensation expense1,761 1,333 
Dividend income(1,221)(645)
Depreciation and amortization(4,625)(2,869)
Goodwill amortization(4,926)(4,949)
Right-of-use asset(30,284)(35,979)
Other1,095 1,903 
Net deferred tax assets$55,635 $48,703 

The Company evaluates the deferred tax asset for recoverability using a consistent approach which considers the relative impact of negative and positive evidence, including its own historical financial performance and that of its operating subsidiaries and projections of future taxable income. This evaluation involves significant judgment by management about assumptions that are subject to change from period to period. Management believes that the weight of all the positive evidence currently available exceeds the negative evidence in support of the realization of the future tax benefits associated with the federal net deferred tax asset. As a result, management has concluded that the federal net deferred tax asset in its entirety will more likely than not be realized. Therefore, a valuation allowance is not considered necessary. If future results differ significantly from the Company’s current projections, a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset may be required.
At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, the Company had accumulated net operating losses (“NOLs”) in the State of Florida of approximately $163.2$160.2 million and $161.8$161.0 million, respectively. These NOLs are carried forward for a maximum of 20 years or indefinitely, depending on the year generated, based on applicable Florida law. The deferred tax asset related to these NOLs at December 31, 20202023 and 20192022 is approximately $7.1$7.0 million and $7.0 million, respectively. A full valuation allowance has been recorded against the state deferred tax asset related to these NOLs as management believes it is more likely than not that the tax benefit will not be realized.
At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, the Company had 0no unrecognized tax benefits or associated interest or penalties that needed to be accrued.
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return as well as combined state income tax returns where combined filings are required. The federal and state tax returns for years 2020 through 2023 remain subject to examination by the corresponding tax jurisdictions.
14.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
16. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCL/AOCI”):
The components of AOCL/AOCI are summarized as follows using applicable blended average federal and state tax rates for each period:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
(in thousands)Before Tax
Amount
Tax
Effect
Net of Tax
Amount
Before Tax
Amount
Tax
Effect
Net of Tax
Amount
Net unrealized gains on available for sale securities$37,305 $(9,120)$28,185 $9,563 $(2,338)$7,225 
Net unrealized gains on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges4,605 (1,126)$3,479 7,953 (1,944)6,009 
Total AOCI$41,910 $(10,246)$31,664 $17,516 $(4,282)$13,234 
December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
(in thousands)Before Tax
Amount
Tax
Effect
Net of Tax
Amount
Before Tax
Amount
Tax
Effect
Net of Tax
Amount
Net unrealized holding losses on debt securities available for sale$(97,042)$24,614 $(72,428)$(111,957)$28,605 $(83,352)
Net unrealized holding gains on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges2,193 (561)1,632 3,659 (942)2,717 
Total (AOCL) AOCI$(94,849)$24,053 $(70,796)$(108,298)$27,663 $(80,635)

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income for the three-year period ended December 31, 2023 is summarized as follows:
December 31, 2023
(in thousands)Before Tax
Amount
Tax
Effect
Net of Tax
Amount
Net unrealized holding gains on debt securities available for sale:
Change in fair value arising during the period$12,817 $(3,460)$9,357 
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income2,098 (531)1,567 
14,915 (3,991)10,924 
Net unrealized holding losses on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Change in fair value arising during the period(20)(15)
Reclassification adjustment for net interest income included in net income(1,446)376 (1,070)
(1,466)381 (1,085)
Total other comprehensive income$13,449 $(3,610)$9,839 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
The components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three-year period ended December 31, 2020 is summarized as follows:
December 31, 2020
(in thousands)Before Tax
Amount
Tax
Effect
Net of Tax
Amount
Net unrealized gains on available for sale securities:
Change in fair value arising during the period$52,866 $(12,925)$39,941 
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income(25,124)6,143 (18,981)
27,742 (6,782)20,960 
Net unrealized losses on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Change in fair value arising during the period(2,289)559 (1,730)
Reclassification adjustment for net interest income included in net income(1,059)259 (800)
(3,348)818 (2,530)
Total other comprehensive income$24,394 $(5,964)$18,430 

December 31, 2022December 31, 2022
(in thousands)(in thousands)Before Tax
Amount
Tax
Effect
Net of Tax
Amount
Net unrealized holding losses on debt securities available for sale:
Change in fair value arising during the period
Change in fair value arising during the period
Change in fair value arising during the period
December 31, 2019
(in thousands)Before Tax
Amount
Tax
Effect
Net of Tax
Amount
Net unrealized gains on available for sale securities:
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
(127,732)
Net unrealized holding losses on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Change in fair value arising during the periodChange in fair value arising during the period$43,427 $(10,617)$32,810 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle1,155 (283)872 
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income(1,874)458 (1,416)
42,708 (10,442)32,266 
Net unrealized gains on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Change in fair value arising during the period
Change in fair value arising during the periodChange in fair value arising during the period379 (92)287 
Reclassification adjustment for net interest income included in net incomeReclassification adjustment for net interest income included in net income(1,529)374 (1,155)
(1,150)282 (868)
Total other comprehensive income$41,558 $(10,160)$31,398 
(616)
Total other comprehensive loss

December 31, 2021
(in thousands)Before Tax
Amount
Tax
Effect
Net of Tax
Amount
Net unrealized holding losses on debt securities available for sale:
Change in fair value arising during the period$(17,264)$4,304 $(12,960)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income(4,266)1,028 (3,238)
(21,530)5,332 (16,198)
Net unrealized holding losses on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Change in fair value arising during the period178 (41)137 
Reclassification adjustment for net interest income included in net income(508)122 (386)
(330)81 (249)
Total other comprehensive loss$(21,860)$5,413 $(16,447)
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

December 31, 2018
(in thousands)Before Tax
Amount
Tax
Effect
Net of Tax
Amount
Net unrealized losses on available for sale securities:
Change in fair value arising during the period$(20,730)$5,465 $(15,265)
Reclassification adjustment for net losses included in net income999 (244)755 
(19,731)5,221 (14,510)
Net unrealized gains on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Change in fair value arising during the period3,744 (1,081)2,663 
Reclassification adjustment for net interest income included in net income(243)59 (184)
3,501 (1,022)2,479 
Total other comprehensive loss$(16,230)$4,199 $(12,031)

15.17. Related Party Transactions
The Company was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Former Parent through August 10, 2018 when the Distributed Shares were distributed to the Former Parent’s shareholders. The Former Parent sold all of its voting Class A common stock in the IPO, and reduced its nonvoting Class B common stock to less than 5% of the Company’s total common stock on December 28, 2018. As a result, at year end 2018, the Former Parent no longer controlled the Company or the Bank. In March 2019, we completed the repurchase of the remaining Class B Retained Shares from the Former Parent. Following this repurchase, the Former Parent no longer owns any Company Shares.
The Company’s related parties include directors, executive officers, holders of 5% or more of the Company’s common stock, or any member of the immediate family of these persons. Transactions with related parties were entered into pursuant to the Company’s policies and procedures and applicable law, including Federal Reserve Regulation W, on substantially the same terms and conditions as transactions with unaffiliated third parties.
In addition to loans to related parties and associated interest income, which are described further below, consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of operations include the following amounts with related parties:
December 31,
December 31,December 31,
(in thousands)(in thousands)20202019(in thousands)20232022
LiabilitiesLiabilities
Liabilities
Liabilities
Demand deposits, noninterest bearing
Demand deposits, noninterest bearing
Demand deposits, noninterest bearingDemand deposits, noninterest bearing$3,891 $4,007 
Demand deposits, interest bearingDemand deposits, interest bearing4,704 3,457 
Savings and money marketSavings and money market1,771 1,090 
Time deposits and accounts payableTime deposits and accounts payable1,991 5,246 
Total due to related partiesTotal due to related parties$12,357 $13,800 


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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202020192018
Income
Data processing and other services$$955 $2,168 
Rental income from operating lease248 
Service charges95 
$$955 $2,511 
Expenses
Interest expense$36 $34 $126 
Fees and other expenses26 501 623 
62 535 749 
$(62)$420 $1,762 
The Cayman Bank Acquisition
On November 15, 2019, the Bank completed the acquisition of Grand Cayman-based Mercantil Bank and Trust Limited, or the Cayman Bank, from Mercantil Holding Financiero Internacional (the “Cayman Bank Acquisition.”) The Cayman Bank is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank and was rebranded “Elant Bank and Trust Ltd.”
The purchase price of approximately $15.0 million was paid in cash and represented the Cayman Bank’s fair market value of its shareholder’s equity, adjusted to reflect income and losses to the closing date and purchase accounting adjustments, including the mark to market of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the closing date, plus a premium of $885,000. Net assets acquired consisted of $0.6 million in cash and due from banks, debt securities available for sale of $27.9 million and time deposits of $14.4 million.
The Cayman Bank Acquisition was recorded as a business acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting. All assets and liabilities of the Cayman Bank were remeasured at their fair value as of the acquisition date. The Cayman Bank Acquisition resulted in goodwill of approximately $0.3 million and an identifiable intangible asset of approximately $0.5 million. The identifiable intangible asset corresponds to the fair value of established customer relationships as of the date of the acquisition and is amortized over its estimated useful life of 14 years on a straight-line basis.
Securities transactions
On December 29, 2018, the Company repurchased Class B common stock from the Former Parent. In addition, on March 7, 2019 the Company repurchased all the remaining Class B common stock from the Former Parent. See Note 15 for more details.
In connection with the tender offer completed in December 2020, the Company paid an aggregate cash amount of approximately $1.1 million for the shares of Class B common stock tendered by and purchased from certain related parties.

Years Ended December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Expenses
Interest expense$103 $46 $13 
Fees and other expenses56 58 53 
$(159)$(104)$(66)
Loan transactions
The Company originates loans in the normal course of business to certain related parties. At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, these loans amounted to $4.7$4.2 million and $3.9$5.9 million, respectively. These loans are generally made to persons who participate or have authority to participate (other than in the capacity of a director) in major policymaking functions of the Company or its affiliates, such as principal owners and management of the Company and their immediate families. Interest income on these loans was approximately $0.1 million, and $0.2 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
the years ended December 31, 2020, 20192023 and 2018

There were 0 sales of participations to affiliates in 2020 and 2019. In 2018, the Company sold approximately $10.0 million of participations in financial institution loans to non-U.S. affiliates. These participated loans were made to unaffiliated borrowers under terms consistent with the Company’s normal lending practices. The Company recorded 0 gain or loss on these loan participation transactions. There were no participations purchased from affiliates in 2020 and 2019.
Services provided and received
The Company had historically provided certain data processing and corporate services to non-U.S. subsidiaries of the Former Parent under the terms of certain service and transition agreements. Fee income for those services are included in data processing and other fees above. These services ended in 2019.
The Former Parent granted the Company a two-year license under the Amended and Restated Separation and Distribution Agreement dated as of June 12, 2018, commencing on August 18, 2018, to use the “Mercantil” name and marks in connection with its business. Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Separation and Distribution Agreement, no fees were payable for the first year of the license. After the first year, the Company was required to pay a monthly license fee should it continue to use the “Mercantil” name and marks. The Company rebranded as “Amerant” on June 5, 2019 and, therefore, no fees were payable under the terms of the license agreement pursuant to the Amended and Restated Separation and Distribution Agreement.
Effective on August 2018, the Company entered into a Book-Entry Securities Custody Agreement with a wholly owned Venezuelan bank of the Former Parent. As a service to its smaller shareholders and to promote shareholder liquidity generally, the Company paid fees in consideration for assistance with the separation and distribution of the Company Shares, as well as for the custody, safekeeping and information agent services provided to smaller shareholders. These initial services were terminated on June 30, 2019. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company continues to receive custody, safekeeping and information agent services to smaller shareholders. The agreement, which had an initial term of 18 months, was renewed in February 2019 for an additional year, and provides for a monthly fee payable by the Company. The Company incurred a total of approximately $0.1 million and $0.4 million as a result of this agreement in 2020 and 2019,2022, respectively.
Leasing subsidiary
On February 15, 2018, the Company sold its membership interest in G200 Leasing, LLC (“G200 Leasing”) to a subsidiary of the Former Parent. Prior to the sale, G200 Leasing distributed $19.8 million in cash to the Bank. All of the membership interests in G200 Leasing were sold for $8.5 million, which approximated the fair value of net assets sold. Net assets sold were mainly comprised of approximately $1 million cash held at the Bank and approximately $7.5 million corresponding to the net book value of an aircraft owned by G200 Leasing. The Company recorded no gain or loss on this sale.
G200 Leasing had leased its aircraft to the Former Parent. Under the terms of the lease agreement between G200 Leasing and the Former Parent, the Former Parent had sole use of the aircraft and provided for all of its scheduled maintenance, including maintaining sufficient qualified collateral in accordance with U.S. banking regulatory requirements. The Former Parent had time deposits with the Company sufficient to meet those collateral requirements. Income from this lease agreement was included in rental income from the operating lease in the preceding table.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

Other assets and liabilities
In connection with litigation between the Bank, Amerant Trustone of its former subsidiaries which merged with and into the Bank in prior years, and Kunde Management, LLC (”Kunde”), the parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement and the court entered an agreed order of dismissal with prejudice on July 6, 2020. The Company incurred approximately $1.1 million in legal fees through June 30, 2020 litigating this case. In connection with this litigation and settlement, certain related parties agreed to reimburse Amerant Trust, a maximum of $1.0 million of all legal fees and costs related to and arising from the litigation. TheAs of December 31, 2020, the Company expectsexpected to be reimbursed up to $750,000 of these legal fees. In 2021, the Company was reimbursed $875,000 in connection with this event. The terms of the settlement agreement did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition or operating results.
The Company had approximately $1.1$1.4 million and $3.2$1.3 million, respectively, due to its Trust Subsidiaries as of December 31, 20202023 and 2019.2022. This amount is included in other liabilitiesaccounts payable in the precedent table. The Company has repaid approximately $2.1 million through March 5, 2021.

Dividends paid
On March 13, 2018, the Company paid a special, one-time, cash dividend of $40.0 million to the Former Parent, or $0.94 per common share, in connection with the Spin-off.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
16.18. Stockholders’ Equity
(a) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
Clean-Up Merger
In November 2021, the Company’s shareholders approved a clean-up merger, previously announced by the Company in September 2021, pursuant to which a subsidiary of the Company merged with and into the Company (the “Clean-up Merger”). Under the terms of the Clean-up Merger, each outstanding share of Class B common stock was converted to 0.95 of a share of Class A common stock without any action on the part of the holders of Class B common stock; however, any shareholder, together with its affiliates, who owned more than 8.9% of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock as a result of the Clean-up Merger, such holder’s shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock, as the case may have been, were converted into shares of a new class of Non-Voting Class A common stock, solely with respect to holdings that were in excess of the 8.9% limitation. The terms of the Clean-up Merger included the creation of a new class of Non-Voting Class A common stock. Following the Clean-up Merger, no shares of Class B common stock are authorized or outstanding, and November 17, 2021 was the last day they traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. In addition, all shareholders who held fractional shares as a result of the Clean-up Merger received a cash payment in lieu of such fractional shares. Following the Clean-up Merger, any holder who beneficially owned fewer than 100 shares of Class A common stock received cash in lieu of Class A common stock.

On February 6, 2018,November, 17, 2021, the Company filed amended and restated articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State of Florida. Pursuant to the amended and restated articles, the total number of authorized Company shares of stock of all classes is 550,000,000,300,000,000, consisting of the following classes:
ClassClassNumber of
Shares
Par Value
per Share
ClassNumber of
 Shares
Par Value
 per Share
Common Stock:Common Stock:
Class A400,000,000 $0.10 
Class B100,000,000 0.10 
500,000,000 
Class A - voting common stock
Class A - voting common stock
Class A - voting common stock
Class A - non-voting common stock
250,000,000
Preferred StockPreferred Stock50,000,000 0.10 
550,000,000 
Preferred Stock
Preferred Stock
300,000,000
Common Stock
Holders
The Class A voting common stock and the Class A non-voting common stock are identical in all respects except that the Class A non-voting common stock are not be entitled to vote on any matter (unless such a vote is required by applicable laws or NYSE regulations in a particular case).

On August 3, 2023, the Company provided written notice to Nasdaq of sharesits determination to voluntarily withdraw the principal listing of the Company’s Class A common stock from Nasdaq and shares of Class B common stock have identical rights in all respects other than voting rights. Shares of Class B common stock are not convertible into shares of Class A common stock or vice versa. Holders of shares of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters. Holders of Class B common stock are entitled to one-tenth of a vote per share of Class B common stock, voting (i) together withtransfer the Class A common stock as a single voting group on proposals to appoint the Company’s independent auditors, if the Company seeks such a vote, (ii) as required by the Florida Business Corporation Act, and (iii) as a single voting group in other circumstances, including a reorganization event that adversely affects the rightslisting of the Class B common stock.Common Stock to the NYSE. The Company’s Common Stock listing and trading on Nasdaq ended at market close on August 28, 2023, and trading commenced on the NYSE at market open on August 29, 2023 where it continues to trade under the stock symbol “AMTB”

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Preferred Stock
The Board of Directors is authorized to provide for and designate, out of the authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock, one or more series of Preferred Stock and, with respect to each such series, to fix the number of shares, the price, dividend rates, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, of one or more series of preferred stock from time to time, without any vote or further action by the shareholders. There are currently no outstanding shares of preferred stock.
Dividends
Dividends shall be payable only when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors from lawful available funds, and may be paid in cash, property, or shares of any class or series or other securities or evidences of indebtedness of the Company or any other issuer, as may be determined by resolution or resolutions of the Board of Directors. Shares of Class B common stock are not entitled to receive dividends or distributions payable in shares of Class A common stock.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

b) Stock Splits
On February 6, 2018, the Company exchanged 100% of the 298,570,328 shares of Class A common stock and 215,188,764 shares of Class B common stock outstanding, for 74,212,408 shares of Class A common stock and 53,253,157 shares of Class B common stock (the “Exchange”). This facilitated the distribution in the Spin-off of one share of Class A and Class B common stock for each outstanding share of the Former Parent Class A and Class B common stock, respectively.
On October 23, 2018, the Company completed a 1-for-3 reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of its Class A and Class B common stock (the “Stock Split”). As a result of the Stock Split, every three shares of issued and outstanding Class A common stock were combined into one issued and outstanding share of Class A common stock, and every three shares of issued and outstanding Class B common stock were combined into one issued and outstanding share of Class B common stock, without any change in the par value per share. Fractional shares were issued and no cash was paid by the Company in respect of fractional shares or otherwise in the Stock Split. The Stock Split reduced the number of shares of Class A common stock issued and outstanding from 74,212,408 shares to 24,737,470 shares, and reduced the number of shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding from 53,253,157 shares to 17,751,053 shares.
As a result of the rebranding discussed in Note 1 to these consolidated financial statements, and in connection with the Stock Split, the Company's Class A and Class B common stock began trading on a Stock Split-adjusted basis on October 24, 2018 under the symbols “AMTB” (for the Class A shares) and “AMTBB” (for the Class B shares). The Company’s Class A and Class B shares had previously traded under the symbols “” and “MBNAB”, respectively.
All references made to share or per share amounts in the consolidated financial statements for the periods presented and applicable disclosures have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Exchange and Stock Split. In addition, as a result of the Exchange and Stock Split, the Company reclassified an amount equal to the reduction in the number of Company Shares at par value to additional paid-in capital on its consolidated financial statements for the periods presented.
c) Class A Common Stock
Shares of the Company’s Class A common stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 20202023 and 2019December 31, 2022 were 28,806,34433,603,242 and 28,927,576,33,815,161, respectively.
IPO
On December 21, 2018,19, 2022, the Company closedannounced that the IPOBoard of 6,300,000 shares of its Class A common stock atDirectors authorized a public offering price of $13.00 per share. Of the 6,300,000 shares of Class A common stock sold in the offering,new repurchase program pursuant to which the Company sold 1,377,523 shares of Class A common stock and the Former Parent sold all of its 4,922,477 shares of Class A common stock. In addition, the Company granted the underwriters a 30-day optionmay purchase, from time to purchasetime, up to an additional 945,000 sharesaggregate amount of Class A common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, to cover over-allotment. The net proceeds to the Company from the sale$25 million of its shares of Class A common stock in(the “2023 Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program”). The 2023 Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program was set to expire on December 31, 2023 and on December 15, 2023, the IPO were approximately $17.9 million. The Company received 0 proceeds fromannounced that the saleBoard approved to extend the expiration date to December 31, 2024. In 2023, the Company repurchased an aggregate of its259,853 shares of Class A common stock in the IPO by the Former Parent.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

On January 23, 2019, the Underwriters partially exercised their over-allotment option by purchasing 229,019 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at the public offering price of $13.00 per shares of Class A common stock. The net proceeds to the Company from this transaction were approximately $3.0 million.
The Former Parent paid all underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses with respect to the IPO.
Private Placements
On February 1, 2019 and February 28, 2019, the Company issued and sold 153,846 and 1,750,000 shares of its Class A common stock, respectively, in private placements exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Securities and SEC Rule 506 (the “Private Placements”). The net proceeds to the Company from the Private Placements totaled approximately $26.7 million.
Stock-Based Compensation Awards
On December 21, 2018, in connection with the closing of the Company’s IPO, the Company’s directors were granted restricted stock units, or RSUs, and various Company officers and employees were granted restricted Class A common stock awards, or RSAs, under the 2018 Equity Plan. Under this plan, the Company issued an aggregate of 736,839 shares of restricted stock during 2018. Refer to Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about common stock transactions under the 2018 Equity Plan.
d) Class B Common Stock and Treasury Stock
The Company had 9,036,352 and 17,751,053 shares of Class B common stock issued as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were 9,036,352 shares and 14,218,596 shares, respectively, of Class B common stock outstanding. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had 0 shares of Class B common stock held as treasury stock. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had 3,532,457 shares of Class B common stock held as treasury stock under the cost method.
On December 27, 2018, following the December 21, 2018 closing of the Company’s IPO, the Company and the Former Parent entered into the Class B Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the Class B Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase up to all 3,532,457 shares of its nonvoting Class B common stock from the Former Parent using the net proceeds from the Company’s sale of its Class A common stock. On December 28, 2018, the Company completed the purchase of the aforementioned 1,420,136 shares of Class B common stock from the Former Parent for $12.61 per shares of Class B common stock, representing an aggregate purchase price of approximately $17.9 million.
On March 7, 2019, the Company repurchased all of the Former Parent’s 2,112,321 remaining shares of nonvoting Class B common stock at a weighted average price of $13.48$18.98 per share, with proceeds from the IPO over-allotment exercise and the Private Placements, representing an aggregate purchase price of approximately $28.5 million. The aforementioned 2,112,321 shares of Class B common stock are held in treasury stock under the cost method.
On February 14 and February 21, 2020, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 932,459 shares of nonvoting2023 Class B common stock in two privately negotiated transactions (collectively, the “2020 Repurchase”) for $16.00 per share of Class B common stock.A Common Stock Repurchase Program. The aggregate purchase price for these transactions was approximately $15.2$4.9 million, including $0.3transaction costs. At December 2023, the Company had $20 million in broker fees and other expenses.Theavailable for repurchase under this repurchase program.
On January 31, 2022, the Company fundedannounced that the 2020 Repurchase with available cash.
In March 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new repurchase program pursuant to which the cancellationCompany may purchase, from time to time, up to an aggregate amount of all 4,464,916$50 million of its shares of Class B Common Stock previously held as treasury stock, including shares repurchased during 2018, 2019 and 2020, effective March 31, 2020.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

On December 23, 2020, the Company completed a modified “Dutch auction” tender offer to purchase, for cash, up to $50.0 million of shares of its Class BA common stock. The tender offer was oversubscribed and, as result, we accepted to purchase 4,249,785 shares of Class B common stock in the tender offer, which includes an additional 2% of outstanding shares of Class B common stock as permitted under the tender offer rules. The 4,249,785 shares of Class B common stock were purchased at a price of $12.55 per share. The total purchase price for this transaction was $54.1 million, including $0.8 million in related fees and expenses. Following the completion of the tender offer, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the cancellation of all 4,249,785 shares of Class B common stock purchased in the tender offer.

Subsequent event. On March 10, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program which provides for the potential repurchase of up to $40 million of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock (the “2021 Stock Repurchase Program”) . Under the 2021New Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program, the Company maywas able to repurchase shares of Class BA common stock through open market purchases, by block purchase, in privately-negotiatedprivately negotiated transactions or otherwise in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act. The extent to which the Company repurchaseswas able to repurchase its shares of Class BA common stock and the timing of such purchases will dependdepended upon market conditions, regulatory requirements, other corporate liquidity requirements and priorities and other factors as may behave been considered in the Company’s sole discretion. Repurchases may also behave been made pursuant to a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, which would permit shares to be repurchased when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods or other regulatory restrictions. The 2021New Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program doesdid not obligate the Company to repurchase any particular amount of shares of Class BA common stock, and may behave been suspended or discontinued at any time without notice.
e) Dividends
On March 13, 2018, In 2022, the Company paidrepurchased an aggregate of 1,602,887 shares of Class A common stock at a special, one-time, cash dividendweighted average price of $40.0 million to$31.14 per share, under the Former Parent, or $0.94 per common share.

17. Commitments and Contingencies
New Common Stock Repurchase Program. The Company and its subsidiaries are party to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome ofaggregate purchase price for these proceedings will not have a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
The Company occupies various premises under noncancelable lease agreements expiring through the year 2046. Actual rental expenses may include deferred rents that are recognized as rent expense on a straight line basis. Rent expense under these leasestransactions was approximately $7.5$49.9 million, $5.5 million and $6.4 million forincluding transaction costs. On May 19, 2022, the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Rent expenses includes taxes and other expenses outsideCompany announced the completion of rent. the New Common Stock Repurchase Program.
In 2020, rent expense included an additional expenseNovember 2021, the Company repurchased 281,725 shares of $1.1 million for the remaining lease obligationClass A Common Stock that were cashed out in connectionaccordance with the closureterms of twothe Clean-Up Merger. These shares were repurchased at a price per share of our branches. In 2019, rent expense included a reduction $0.5 million related to the amortization$30.10 and an aggregate purchase price of $1.0 million received in compensation for business interruption at one of our branches.

approximately $8.5 million.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

Future minimum annual lease paymentsIn September 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program which provided for the potential to repurchase up to $50 million of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. Under the Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program, the Company was able to repurchase shares of Class A common stock through open market purchases, by block purchase, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act. The extent to which the Company was able to repurchase its shares of Class A common stock and the timing of such leasespurchases depended upon market conditions, regulatory requirements, other corporate liquidity requirements and priorities and other factors as may have been considered in the Company’s sole discretion. Repurchases may also have been made pursuant to a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, which would permit shares to be repurchased when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods or other regulatory restrictions. The Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program did not obligate the Company to repurchase any particular amount of shares of Class A common stock, and may have been suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. In 2022 and 2021, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 652,118 shares and 893,394 shares, respectively, of Class A common stock at a weighted average price per share of $33.96 and $31.18, respectively, under the Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program. In 2022 and 2021, the aggregate purchase price for these transactions was approximately $22.1 million and $27.9 million, respectively, including transaction costs. On January 31, 2022, the Company announced the completion of the Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program.
On March 10, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program which provided for the potential repurchase of up to $40 million of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock. Under the Class B Common Stock Repurchase Program, the Company was able to repurchase shares of Class B common stock through open market purchases, by block purchase, in privately-negotiated transactions, or otherwise in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The extent to which the Company was able to repurchase its shares of Class B common stock and the timing of such purchases depended upon market conditions, regulatory requirements, other corporate liquidity requirements and priorities and other factors as may have been considered in the Company’s sole discretion. Repurchases may also have been made pursuant to a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, which would permit shares to be repurchased when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so because of self-imposed trading blackout periods or other regulatory restrictions. The Class B Common Stock Repurchase Program did not obligate the Company to repurchase any particular amount of shares of Class B common stock, and may have been suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. In 2021, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 565,232 shares of Class B common stock at a weighted average price per share of $16.92, under the Class B Common Stock Repurchase Program. The aggregate purchase price for these transactions was approximately $9.6 million, including transaction costs. In September 2021, in connection with the Merger, the Company’s Board of Directors terminated the Class B Common Stock Repurchase Program.

In 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the cancellation of all shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock previously held as treasury stock, including all shares repurchased in 2023, 2022 and 2021. Therefore, the Company had no shares of common stock held in treasury stock at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Stock-Based Compensation Awards

The Company grants, from time to time, stock-based compensation awards which are reflected as follows:changes in the Company’s Stockholders’ equity. See Note 14 “Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan” for additional information about common stock transactions under the Company’s 2018 Equity Plan.
YearsApproximate
Amount
(in thousands)
2021$8,193 
20227,587 
20235,210 
20245,233 
20254,783 
Thereafter31,983 
$62,989 


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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

c) Dividends

Set forth below are the details of dividends by the Company for the periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and 2021, and subsequent to December 31, 2023:

Declaration DateRecord DatePayment DateDividend Per ShareDividend Amount
01/17/202402/14/202402/29/2024$0.09$3.0 million
10/18/202311/14/202311/30/2023$0.09$3.0 million
07/19/202308/15/202308/31/2023$0.09$3.0 million
04/19/202305/15/202305/31/2023$0.09$3.0 million
01/18/202302/13/202302/28/2023$0.09$3.0 million
07/20/202208/17/202208/31/2022$0.09$3.0 million
04/13/202205/13/202205/31/2022$0.09$3.0 million
01/19/202202/11/202202/28/2022$0.09$3.2 million
12/09/202112/22/202101/15/2022$0.06$2.2 million


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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021


19. Commitments and Contingencies
From time to time the Company and its subsidiaries may be exposed to loss contingencies. In the ordinary, course of business, those contingencies may include, known but unasserted claims, and legal / regulatory inquiries or examinations. The Company records these loss contingencies as a liability when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, the Company maintains a liability that is in an estimated amount sufficient to cover said loss contingencies, if any, at the reporting dates.
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, credit card facilitiesderivative contracts, and letters of credit. Most of our derivative arrangements with counterparties require the posting of collateral upon meeting certain net exposure threshold.
The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for loan commitments and letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making loan commitments and letters of credit as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company controls the credit risk of loan commitments and letters of credit through credit approvals, customer limits, and monitoring procedures.
Loan commitments are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Loan commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The Company evaluates each customer’s credit-worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include cash, accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, real estate in varying stages of development and occupancy, and income-producing commercial properties.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support borrowing arrangements. They generally have one year terms and are renewable annually, if agreed. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is generally the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company generally holds deposits, investments and real estate as collateral supporting those commitments. The extent of collateral held for those commitments at December 31, 20202023 ranges from unsecured commitments to commitments fully collateralized by cash and securities.
Commercial letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee payment by a customer to a third party, and are used primarily for importing or exporting goods and are terminated when proper payment is made by the customer.
The Company phased out its legacy credit card products to further strengthen its credit quality in 2020. In April 2019, the Company stopped the charging privileges to its smallest and riskiest cardholders and required repayment of their balances by November 2019. Other cardholders’ charging privileges ended in October 2019 and they were required to repay all balances by January 2020. During the first quarter of 2020, the remaining balances related to the credit card product were repaid, therefore, there are 0 outstanding credit card balances as of December 31, 2020. As a result of these actions, the Company no longer carriesFinancial instruments whose contract amount represents off-balance sheet credit risk associated with its former credit card programs.at December 31, 2023 are generally short-term and are as follows:
(in thousands)Approximate
Contract
Amount
Commitments to extend credit$1,305,816 
Standby letters of credit29,605 
$1,335,421 


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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

Financial instruments whose contract amount representsThe following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for credit losses for off-balance sheet credit risk atexposures for the years ended December 31, 2020 are generally short-term2023, 2022 and are2021:

(in thousands)Years Ended December 31,
202320222021
Balances at beginning of the period$1,702 $1,702 $1,952 
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses - off balance sheet exposures1,400 — (250)
Balances at end of period$3,102 $1,702 $1,702 

Beginning in the third quarter of 2023, the provision for credit losses for off-balance sheet exposures is included as follows:part of provision for (reversal of) credit losses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Prior to that period, the provision for credit losses for off-balance sheet exposures was included as part of other operating expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). In 2023, the provision for credit losses for off-balance sheet exposures includes: (i) $0.3 million recorded in the first half of 2023 and included within other operating expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), and (ii) $1.1 million recorded in the second half of 2023 and included within provision for (reversal of) credit losses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).
(in thousands)

Approximate
Contract
Amount
Commitments to extend credit$763,880 
Standby letters of credit9,326 
Commercial letters of credit1,831 
$775,037 
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
18.20. Fair Value Measurements
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
December 31, 2020
(in thousands)Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Third-Party
Models with
Observable
Market
Inputs
(Level 2)
Internal
Models
with
Unobservable
Market
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Carrying
Value in the
Consolidated
Balance
Sheet
Assets
Securities available for sale
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities$$661,335 $$661,335 
Corporate debt securities301,714 301,714 
U.S. government agency debt securities204,578 204,578 
U.S. treasury securities2,512 2,512 
Municipal bonds54,944 54,944 
1,225,083 1,225,083 
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values not held for trading24,342 24,342 
Bank owned life insurance217,547 217,547 
Derivative instruments39,721 39,721 
$$1,506,693 $$1,506,693 
Liabilities
Derivative instruments$$41,431 $$41,431 










December 31, 2023
(in thousands)Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Third-Party
Models with
Observable
Market
Inputs
(Level 2)
Internal
Models
with
Unobservable
Market
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Carrying
Value in the
Consolidated
Balance
Sheet
Assets
Cash and Cash equivalents
  Other short-term investments$— $6,080 $— $6,080 
Securities
Debt Securities available for sale
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities— 557,307 — 557,307 
Corporate debt securities— 260,802 — 260,802 
U.S. government agency debt securities— 390,777 — 390,777 
Collateralized loan obligations— 4,957 — 4,957 
U.S. treasury securities— 1,991 — 1,991 
Municipal bonds— 1,668 — 1,668 
— 1,217,502 — 1,217,502 
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values not held for trading2,534 — — 2,534 
2,534 1,217,502 — 1,220,036 
Mortgage loans held for sale (at fair value)— 26,200 — 26,200 
Bank owned life insurance— 234,972 — 234,972 
Other assets
Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs)— — 1,372 1,372 
Derivative instruments— 59,932 — 59,932 
$2,534 $1,544,686 $1,372 $1,548,592 
Liabilities
Other liabilities
Derivative instruments$— $59,433 $— $59,433 


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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2022December 31, 2022
(in thousands)(in thousands)Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Third-Party
Models with
Observable
Market
Inputs
(Level 2)
Internal
Models
with
Unobservable
Market
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Carrying
Value in the
Consolidated
Balance
Sheet
(in thousands)Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Third-Party
Models with
Observable
Market
Inputs
(Level 2)
Internal
Models
with
Unobservable
Market
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Carrying
Value in the
Consolidated
Balance
Sheet
AssetsAssets
Securities
Securities
Securities
Securities available for saleSecurities available for sale
Securities available for sale
Securities available for sale
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities
U.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securitiesU.S. government sponsored enterprise debt securities$$933,112 $$933,112 
Corporate debt securitiesCorporate debt securities252,836 252,836 
U.S. government agency debt securitiesU.S. government agency debt securities228,397 228,397 
Collateralized loan obligations
U.S. treasury securitiesU.S. treasury securities104,236 104,236 
Municipal bondsMunicipal bonds50,171 50,171 
1,568,752 1,568,752 
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values not held for tradingEquity securities with readily determinable fair values not held for trading23,848 23,848 
11,383
Mortgage loans held for sale (at fair value)
Bank owned life insuranceBank owned life insurance211,852 211,852 
Other assets
Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs)
Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs)
Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs)
Derivative instrumentsDerivative instruments12,097 12,097 
$
$$1,816,549 $$1,816,549 
LiabilitiesLiabilities
Liabilities
Liabilities
Other liabilities
Other liabilities
Other liabilities
Derivative instrumentsDerivative instruments$$11,809 $$11,809 
Derivative instruments
Derivative instruments
Level 2 Valuation Techniques
The valuation of short-term securities, debt securities available for sale, equity securities not held for trading, and derivative instruments is performed through a monthly pricing process using data provided by generally recognized providers of independent data pricing services (the “Pricing Providers”). These Pricing Providers collect, use and incorporate descriptive market data from various sources, quotes and indicators from leading broker dealers to generate independent and objective valuations. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is generally determined using observable market information including pricing from actual market transactions, investor commitment prices or broker quotations on similar loans. The fair value of bank-owned life insurance policies is based on the cash surrender values of the policies as reported by the insurance companies.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

The valuation techniques and the inputs used in our consolidated financial statements to measure the fair value of our recurring Level 2 financial instruments consider, among other factors, the following:
Similar securities actively traded which are selected from recent market transactions;
Observable market data which includes spreads in relationship to LIBOR,SOFR and other relevant interest rate benchmarks that may become available from time to time, such as swap curve, and prepayment speed rates, as applicable.
The captured spread and prepayment speed is used to obtain the fair value for each related security.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the reasonableness of the monthly pricing process for the valuation of short-term securities, debt securities available for sale and equity securities not held for trading and derivative instruments. This evaluation includes challenging a random sample of the different types of securities in the investment portfolio as of the end of the quarter selected. This challenge consists of obtaining from the Pricing Providers a document explaining the methodology applied to obtain their fair value assessments for each type of investment included in the sample selection. The Company then analyzes in detail the various inputs used in the fair value calculation, both observable and unobservable (e.g., prepayment speeds, yield curve benchmarks, spreads, delinquency rates). Management considers that the consistent application of this methodology allows the Company to understand and evaluate the categorization of its investment portfolio.
The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may differ from the net realizable value or may not be reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of its financial instruments could result in different estimates of fair value at the reporting date.
Level 3 Valuation Techniques
Mortgage Servicing Rights
MSRs are initially and subsequently measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded as part of noninterest income. The Company estimates the fair value of MSRs through the use of prevailing market participants assumptions and market participant valuation processes. This valuation is periodically tested and validated against other third-party firm valuations.
There were no transfers in or out of level 3 in the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The following tables present the major categories of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 20202023 and 2019:2022:
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2023December 31, 2023
(in thousands)(in thousands)December 31, 2020Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total Impairments(in thousands)Carrying AmountQuoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total Write Downs
DescriptionDescription
Loans measured for impairments using the fair value of the collateral$50,199 $$$50,199 $19,843 
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or fair value
Loans held for investment measured for credit deterioration using the fair value of the collateral (1)
Other Real Estate Owned (2)
$
_______________

(1)
December 31, 2019
(in thousands)December 31, 2019Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total Impairments
Description
Loans measured for impairments using the fair value of the collateral$17,830 $$$17,830 $52 

Include loans with specific reserves of $ 8.1 million and total write downs of $4.4 million at December 31, 2023.

(2)



Consists of commercial real estate property.
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

December 31, 2022
(in thousands)Carrying AmountQuoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total Write Downs
Description
Loans held for investment measured for credit deterioration using the fair value of the collateral$30,158 $— $— $30,158 $3,851 
_______________
(1)Include loans with specific reserves of $5.2 million and total write downs of $3.9 million at December 31, 2022.


The following table presents the significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) used in the valuation of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
Financial InstrumentUnobservable InputsValuation MethodsDiscount RangeTypical Discount
Collateral dependent loansDiscount to fair valueAppraisal value, as adjusted0-30%6-7%
Inventory0-100%30-50%
Accounts receivables0-100%20-30%
Equipment0-100%20-30%
Other Real Estate OwnedDiscount to fair valueAppraisal value, as adjustedN/A6-7%

There were no other significant assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2023 and 2022.


Loans Held for Sale, at Lower of Fair Value or Cost

The fair value used for loans held for sale that are carried at the lower of cost or fair value is generally based on quoted market prices of similar loans less estimated cost to sell and is considered to be Level 3.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Collateral Dependent Loans Measured For ImpairmentExpected Credit Losses

The Company measures the impairmentcarrying amount of collateral dependent loans is typically based on the fair value of the collateral in accordance with the provisions of ASC-310-35 “Impairment of Loans and Receivables”.underlying collateral. The Company primarily uses third party appraisals to assist in measuring impairmentexpected credit losses on collateral dependent impaired loans. The Company also uses third party appraisal reviewers for loans with an outstanding balance of $1 million and above. These appraisals generally use the market or income approach valuation technique and use market observable data to formulate an opinion of the fair value of the loan’s collateral. However, the appraiser uses professional judgment in determining the fair value of the collateral or properties and may also adjust these values for changes in market conditions subsequent to the appraisal date. When current appraisals are not available for certain loans, the Company uses judgment on market conditions to adjust the most current appraisal. The sales prices may reflect prices of sales contracts not closed and the amount of time required to sell out the real estate project may be derived from current appraisals of similar projects. As a consequence, the fair value of the collateral is considered a Level 3 valuation.

There were 0 other significant assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Other Real Estate Owned

19.The Company values OREO at the lower of cost or fair value of the property, less cost to sell. The fair value of the property is generally based upon recent appraisal values of the property, less cost to sell. The Company primarily uses third party appraisals to assist in measuring the valuation of OREO. Period revaluations are classified as level 3 as the assumptions used may not be observable. The fair value of non-real estate repossessed assets is provided by a third party based on their assumptions and quoted market prices for similar assets, when available. The Company had no OREO balances as of December 31, 2022.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

21. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of a financial instrument represents the price that would be received from its sale in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The best indication of the fair value of a financial instrument is determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many cases, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. As a result, the Company derives the fair value of the financial instruments held at the reporting period-end, in part, using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by management’s assumptions, the estimated amount and timing of future cash flows and estimated discount rates included in present value and other techniques. The use of different assumptions could significantly affect the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments. Accordingly, the net realized values could be materially different from the estimates presented below.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
Because of their nature and short-term maturities, the carrying values of the following financial instruments were used as a reasonable estimate of their fair value: cash and cash equivalents, interest earning deposits with banks, variable-rate loans with re-pricing terms shorter than twelve months, demand and savings deposits, short-term time deposits and other borrowings.
The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale at fair value and loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value, debt and equity securities, bank owned life insurance and derivative instruments, are based on quoted market prices, when available. If quoted market prices are unavailable, fair value is estimated using the pricing process described in Note 17.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

20.
The fair value of commitments and letters of credit is based on the assumption that the Company will be required to perform on all such instruments. The commitment amount approximates estimated fair value.
The fair value of fixed-rate loans, advances from the FHLB, senior notes, subordinated notes and junior subordinated debentures are estimated using a present value technique by discounting the future expected contractual cash flows using the current rates at which similar instruments would be issued with comparable credit ratings and terms at the measurement date.
The fair value of long-term time deposits, including certificates of deposit, is determined using a present value technique by discounting the future expected contractual cash flows using current rates at which similar instruments would be issued at the measurement date.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

The estimated fair value of financial instruments where fair value differs from carrying value are as follows:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
December 31, 2023December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
(in thousands)(in thousands)Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair
Value
(in thousands)Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair
Value
Carrying
Value
Estimated
Fair
Value
Financial assetsFinancial assets
Debt securities held to maturity
Debt securities held to maturity
Debt securities held to maturity
LoansLoans$2,884,550 $2,801,279 $2,819,477 $2,721,291 
Financial liabilitiesFinancial liabilities
Time depositsTime deposits1,547,396 1,569,897 1,745,735 1,759,347 
Time deposits
Time deposits
Advances from the FHLBAdvances from the FHLB1,050,000 1,078,786 1,235,000 1,244,515 
Senior notesSenior notes58,577 61,528 
Subordinated notes
Junior subordinated debenturesJunior subordinated debentures64,178 55,912 92,246 86,738 


20.22. Regulatory Matters
The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Amerant Mortgage is an approved Fannie Mae seller and servicer and is subject to certain Lender Adjusted Net Worth requirements. Amerant Investments is subject to the Uniform Capital Rule 15x3-1 under the Securities Act of 1934, which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital as defined under such rule. At December 31, 2023 and 2022 Amerant Investments was in compliance with those rules.
The following is a summary of restrictions related to dividend payments, and capital adequacy.adequacy as well as Lender Adjusted Net Worth requirement.

Dividend Restrictions
Dividends payable by the Bank as a national bank subsidiary of the Company, are limited by law and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”)OCC regulations. A dividend may not be paid if the total of all dividends declared by a bank in any calendar year is in excess of the current year’s net income combined with the retained net income of the two preceding years, unless the national bank obtains the approval of the OCC. At December 31, 20202023 and 2019,2022, the Bank could have paid dividends of $17.6$117.3 million and $15.3$43.8 million, respectively, without prior OCC approval.
In addition, the Company and the Bank are subject to various general regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain capital above regulatory minimums and the maintenance of capital in excess of capital conservation buffers required by the Federal Reserve and OCC capital regulations.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021


Capital Adequacy
Under the Basel III capital and prompt corrective action rules, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures and qualitative judgments about capital components, risk weightings, and other factors.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

The Basel III rules became effective for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015 with full compliance with all of the requirements being phased in over a multi-year schedule and were fully phased in by January 1, 2019. The Company and the Bank opted to not include the AOCI in computing regulatory capital. As of December 31, 2020,2023, management believes that the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject, and are well capitalized. In addition, Basel III rules required the Company and the Bank to hold a minimum capital conservation buffer of 2.50% by 2019.. The Company’s capital conservation buffer at year end 20202023 and 20192022 was 6.0%4.1% and 6.8%4.4%, respectively, and therefore no regulatory restrictions exist under the applicable capital rules on dividends or discretionary bonuses or other payments.
The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:
ActualMinimums Required for Capital Adequacy PurposesRegulatory Minimums to be Well Capitalized
(in thousands, except percentages)AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
December 31, 2020
Total capital ratio$873,152 13.91 %$502,214 8.00 %$627,768 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio794,257 12.65 %376,661 6.00 %502,214 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio794,257 10.07 %315,569 4.00 %394,461 5.00 %
Common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio794,257 12.65 %282,495 4.50 %408,049 6.50 %
December 31, 2019
Total capital ratio$841,305 13.15 %$511,638 8.00 %$639,547 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio787,908 12.32 %383,728 6.00 %511,638 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio787,908 10.01 %314,800 4.00 %393,500 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio787,908 12.32 %287,796 4.50 %415,706 6.50 %
The Company’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:
ActualMinimums Required for Capital Adequacy PurposesRegulatory Minimums To be Well Capitalized
ActualActualMinimums Required for Capital Adequacy PurposesRegulatory Minimums to be Well Capitalized
(in thousands, except percentages)(in thousands, except percentages)AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio(in thousands, except percentages)AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2023
Total capital ratio
Total capital ratio
Total capital ratioTotal capital ratio$876,966 13.96 %$502,463 8.00 %$628,078 10.00 %$964,678 11.95 11.95 %$645,662 8.00 8.00 %$807,077 10.00 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratioTier 1 capital ratio798,033 12.71 %376,847 6.00 %502,463 8.00 %Tier 1 capital ratio866,141 10.73 10.73 %484,246 6.00 6.00 %645,662 8.00 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratioTier 1 leverage ratio798,033 10.11 %315,770 4.00 %394,713 5.00 %Tier 1 leverage ratio866,141 9.03 9.03 %383,864 4.00 4.00 %479,830 5.00 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio736,930 11.73 %282,635 4.50 %408,251 6.50 %
Common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratioCommon equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio866,141 10.73 %363,185 4.50 %524,600 6.50 %
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2022
December 31, 2022
Total capital ratio
Total capital ratio
Total capital ratioTotal capital ratio$945,310 14.78 %$511,760 8.00 %$639,699 10.00 %$923,113 12.10 12.10 %$610,149 8.00 8.00 %$762,686 10.00 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratioTier 1 capital ratio891,913 13.94 %383,820 6.00 %511,760 8.00 %Tier 1 capital ratio837,970 10.99 10.99 %457,612 6.00 6.00 %610,149 8.00 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratioTier 1 leverage ratio891,913 11.32 %315,055 4.00 %393,819 5.00 %Tier 1 leverage ratio837,970 9.27 9.27 %361,655 4.00 4.00 %452,069 5.00 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio806,050 12.60 %287,865 4.50 %415,805 6.50 %
Common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratioCommon equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio837,970 10.99 %343,209 4.50 %495,746 6.50 %
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

The Company’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table:
ActualMinimums Required for Capital Adequacy PurposesRegulatory Minimums To be Well Capitalized
(in thousands, except percentages)AmountRatioAmountRatioAmountRatio
December 31, 2023
Total capital ratio$979,777 12.12 %$646,481 8.00 %$808,101 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio851,787 10.54 %484,860 6.00 %646,481 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio851,787 8.84 %385,598 4.00 %481,998 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio790,959 9.79 %363,645 4.50 %525,266 6.50 %
December 31, 2022
Total capital ratio$947,505 12.39 %$611,733 8.00 %$764,666 10.00 %
Tier 1 capital ratio833,078 10.89 %458,799 6.00 %611,733 8.00 %
Tier 1 leverage ratio833,078 9.18 %363,130 4.00 %453,913 5.00 %
CET1 capital ratio772,105 10.10 %344,100 4.50 %497,033 6.50 %

The Company redeemed trust preferred securities and related junior subordinated debentures which reduced the Company’sadopted CECL effective as of January 1, 2022. The Company has not elected to apply an available three-year transition provision to its regulatory capital by $24.7 million and $23.5 millioncomputations as a result of its adoption of CECL in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company’s regulatory capital ratios continued to exceed regulatory minimums to be well capitalized, upon these redemptions.
2022.

21.Mortgage Banking Lender Net Worth Adjusted Requirements
Amerant Mortgage is currently an approved seller and servicer with Fannie Mae for the purpose of selling Fannie Mae eligible loan production and retaining the MSRs of those same loans. As an approved Fannie Mae seller and servicer, Amerant Mortgage must meet certain net worth covenants outlined in Maintaining Seller/Servicer Eligibility section of the Fannie Mae Selling Guide, the “Selling Guide”.
Under the Selling Guide, Amerant Mortgage must meet a minimum net worth requirement of $2.5 million plus 0.25% of the outstanding unpaid principal balance of the portfolio of loans Amerant Mortgage is contractually obligated to service for Fannie Mae and other investors (the “Lender Adjusted Net Worth”). As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, Amerant Mortgage had a Lender Adjusted Net Worth of approximately $11.0 million and $7.7 million and was in compliance with the requirement. In addition, Amerant Mortgage is subject to net worth decline tolerance requirements that shall not exceed 25% over one quarter or 40% over two consecutive quarters. Amerant Mortgage has demonstrated compliance with all financial eligibility requirements as of December 31, 2023.
Failure to meet the minimum net worth or net worth decline tolerance outlined above, may prompt the suspension of Amerant Mortgage as an approved seller and/or servicer, which would prevent Amerant Mortgage from taking down new commitments to deliver loans to Fannie Mae and adding loans to any portfolio that Amerant Mortgage services for Fannie Mae. While Amerant Mortgage is not required to operate as an approved Fannie Mae seller and servicer, failure to operate as such may impact Amerant Mortgage’s overall margins, profitability and financial flexibility.
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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
23. Earnings (Loss) Per Share
The following table shows the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
(in thousands, except per share data)(in thousands, except per share data)202020192018(in thousands, except per share data)202320222021
Numerator:Numerator:
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders$(1,722)$51,334 $45,833 
Net income before attribution of noncontrolling interest
Net income before attribution of noncontrolling interest
Net income before attribution of noncontrolling interest
Noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to Amerant Bancorp Inc.
Net income available to common stockholders
Denominator:Denominator:
Basic weighted averages shares outstanding
Basic weighted averages shares outstanding
Basic weighted averages shares outstandingBasic weighted averages shares outstanding41,737 42,543 42,487 
Dilutive effect of shared-based compensation awardsDilutive effect of shared-based compensation awards396 
Diluted weighted average shares outstandingDiluted weighted average shares outstanding41,737 42,939 42,487 
Basic (loss) earnings per common share$(0.04)$1.21 $1.08 
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share$(0.04)$1.20 $1.08 
Basic earnings per common share
Basic earnings per common share
Basic earnings per common share
Diluted earnings per common share

As of December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 2018,2021, potential dilutive instruments consisted of unvested shares of restricted stock, and restricted stock units mainly related to the Company’s IPO in 2018,and performance stock units totaling 248,750, 530,620595,420, 529,830 and 794,529,462,302, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, potential dilutive instruments were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation because the Company reported a net loss2023, 2022 and their inclusion would have an anti-dilutive effect in per share earnings in 2020.
As of December 31, 2019,2021, potential dilutive instruments were included in the diluted earnings per share computation because, when the unamortized deferred compensation cost related to these shares was divided by the average market price per share at that date,those dates, fewer shares would have been purchased than restricted shares assumed issued. Therefore, at that date,in those periods, such awards resulted in higher diluted weighted average shares outstanding than basic weighted average shares outstanding, and had a dilutive effect in per share earnings in 2019.
As of December 31, 2018, potential dilutive instruments were excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation because when the unamortized deferred compensation cost related to these shares was divided by the average market price per share at that date, more shares would have been purchased than restricted shares assumed issued. Therefore, at that date, such awards resulted in lower diluted weighted average shares outstanding than basic weighted average shares outstanding, and would have an anti-dilutive effect in per share earnings in 2018.
See Note 12 to these audited annual consolidated financial statements for more information on restricted stock and restricted stock units transactions in 2020, 2019 and 2018.

earnings.

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
22.24. Condensed Unconsolidated Holding Companies’ Financial Statements
The separate condensed unconsolidated financial statements of each of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary Amerant Florida havehas been prepared using the same basis of accounting that the Company used to prepare its consolidated financial statements described in Note 1, except for its investment in subsidiaries which is accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, investments in subsidiaries are initially recorded at cost, and they are periodically adjusted due to changes in the interest of the parent company over the net assets of the subsidiaries. The Company records in the results for the period, its participation in the profit or loss of the subsidiaries, and in AOCIAOCI/AOCL its participation in the “Other comprehensive (loss) income account” of the subsidiary. In applying the equity method the Company uses the subsidiaries consolidated financial statements at the end of the period prepared under GAAP.
Condensed financial statements of Amerant Bancorp Inc. are presented below:
Condensed Balance Sheets:
December 31,
December 31,December 31,
(in thousands)(in thousands)20202019(in thousands)20232022
AssetsAssets
Cash and due from banksCash and due from banks$43,029 $57,806 
Cash and due from banks
Cash and due from banks
Investments in subsidiariesInvestments in subsidiaries798,339 776,372 
U.S. treasury securities
Dividends from subsidiary bank receivable
Other assetsOther assets1,617 1,800 
$842,985 $835,978 
$
Liabilities and Stockholders' EquityLiabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Senior notesSenior notes$58,577 $
Senior notes
Senior notes
Subordinated notes
Junior Subordinated Debentures
Other liabilitiesOther liabilities987 1,277 
Stockholders' equityStockholders' equity783,421 834,701 
$842,985 $835,978 
$
$
$
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Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021

Condensed Statements of (Loss) Income:
Years ended December 31
Years ended December 31Years ended December 31
(in thousands)(in thousands)202020192018(in thousands)202320222021
Income:Income:
Interest
Interest
InterestInterest$265 $40 $
Equity in earnings of subsidiaryEquity in earnings of subsidiary2,520 56,755 53,939 
Total incomeTotal income2,785 56,795 53,948 
Expenses:Expenses:
Interest expenseInterest expense1,968 
Interest expense
Interest expense
Other expenses (1)Other expenses (1)3,688 7,434 8,018 
Total expenseTotal expense5,656 7,434 8,018 
(Loss) income before income tax benefit (expense)(2,871)49,361 45,930 
Income tax benefit (expense)1,148 1,973 (97)
Net (loss) income$(1,723)$51,334 $45,833 
Income before income tax benefit
Income tax benefit
Net income
__________________
(1)Other expenses mainly consist of professional and other service fees.


Condensed Statements of Cash Flows:
Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)202020192018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net (loss) income$(1,723)$51,334 $45,833 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities - Equity in earnings of subsidiaries(2,520)(56,755)(53,939)
Stock-based compensation expense375 422 
Net change in other assets and liabilities57 (1,339)438 
Net cash used in operating activities(3,811)(6,338)(7,668)
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash received upon Voting Trust termination639 
Dividends from subsidiary61,500 47,500 
Net cash provided by investment activities61,500 48,139 
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid(40,000)
Common stock issued - Class A29,218 17,908 
Repurchase of common stock - Class B(69,378)(28,465)(17,908)
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes, net of issuance costs58,412 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(10,966)753 (40,000)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(14,777)55,915 471 
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year57,806 1,891 1,420 
End of year$43,029 $57,806 $1,891 

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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows:
Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)202320222021
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income$32,490 $63,310 $112,921 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities - Equity in earnings of subsidiaries(43,795)(73,986)(120,253)
Stock-based compensation expense537 341 927 
Net change in other assets and liabilities(2,318)(13,098)(6,919)
Net cash used in operating activities(13,086)(23,433)(13,324)
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash received from Amerant Florida Merger— 6,663 — 
Dividends from subsidiary— 114,000 40,000 
Return of equity from investment in subsidiary11,068 — — 
Purchases of available for sale securities— (1,997)— 
Maturities of available for sale securities— 1,000 — 
Net cash provided by investment activities11,068 119,666 40,000 
Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchase of common stock - Class A(4,933)(72,060)(36,332)
Repurchase of common stock - Class B— — (9,563)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan904 — — 
Proceeds from issuance of Subordinated Notes, net of issuance costs— 29,146 — 
Dividends Paid(12,063)(12,230)— 
Net cash used in financing activities(16,092)(55,144)(45,895)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(18,110)41,089 (19,219)
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year64,899 23,810 43,029 
End of year$46,789 $64,899 $23,810 

Condensed financial statements of Amerant Florida are presented below:
Condensed Balance Sheets:
December 31,
(in thousands)20202019
Assets
Cash and due from banks$16,559 $48,868 
Investments in subsidiaries840,866 815,204 
U.S. treasury securities2,512 998 
Other assets5,592 7,281 
$865,529 $872,351 
Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity
Junior subordinated debentures held by trust subsidiaries$64,178 $92,246 
Other liabilities3,012 3,732 
Stockholder’s equity798,339 776,373 
$865,529 $872,351 











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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2020, 20192023, 2022 and 20182021


On August 2, 2022, the Company completed an intercompany transaction of entities under common control, pursuant to which the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Amerant Florida Bancorp Inc. (“Amerant Florida”), merged with and into the Company, with the Company as sole survivor (the “Amerant Florida Merger”). In connection with the Amerant Florida Merger, the Company assumed all assets and liabilities of Amerant Florida, including its direct ownership of the Bank, the common capital securities issued by the 5 trust subsidiaries, and the junior subordinated debentures issued by Amerant Florida and related agreements. The Amerant Florida Merger had no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

There were no reportable balances as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 related to Amerant Florida as of result of the Amerant Florida Merger.

Condensed financial statements of Amerant Florida as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021 are presented below:

Condensed Statements of Income:
Years ended December 31
(in thousands)202020192018
Income:
Interest$102 $152 $182 
Equity in earnings of subsidiary4,810 62,979 60,609 
Other income
Total income4,912 63,137 60,791 
Expenses:
Interest expense2,533 7,184 8,086 
Provision for loan losses
Other expenses444 726 414 
Total expenses2,977 7,910 8,500 
 Income before income tax benefit1,935 55,227 52,291 
Income tax benefit585 1,528 1,661 
Net income$2,520 $56,755 $53,952 
Year ended December 31
(in thousands)2021
Income:
Interest$41 
Equity in earnings of subsidiary122,311 
Total income122,352 
Expenses:
Interest expense2,451 
Other expenses263 
Total expenses2,714 
 Income before income tax benefit119,638 
Income tax benefit616 
Net income$120,254 


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Table of Contents
Amerant Bancorp Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows:
Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)202020192018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income$2,520 $56,755 $53,952 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities - Equity in earnings of subsidiaries(1,433)(60,555)(60,609)
Net change in other assets and liabilities(3,823)3,108 490 
Net cash used in operating activities(2,736)(692)(6,167)
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends received from subsidiary105,000 47,500 
Dividends paid(47,500)
Purchases of available for sale securities(3,505)(998)
Maturities of available for sale securities2,000 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(1,505)104,002 
Cash flows from financing activities
Redemption of junior subordinated debentures(28,068)(25,864)
Dividends paid(61,500)
Net cash used in financing activities(28,068)(87,364)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(32,309)15,946 (6,167)
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year48,868 32,922 39,089 
End of year$16,559 $48,868 $32,922 
Year ended December 31,
(in thousands)2021
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income$120,254 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities - Equity in earnings of subsidiaries(122,311)
Net change in other assets and liabilities1,838 
Net cash used in operating activities(219)
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends received from subsidiary30,000 
Net cash provided by investing activities30,000 
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid(40,000)
Net cash used in financing activities(40,000)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(10,219)
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year16,559 
End of year$6,340 
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